How is coarctation of the aorta diagnosed?

How is coarctation of the aorta diagnosed?

Aortic coarctation usually occurs between the site where the blood vessels branch off the aorta to the upper body and the site where the blood vessels branch to the lower body. Because of this positioning, aortic coarctation causes high blood pressure in the arms and upper body and low blood pressure in the lower body and legs. This blood pressure difference is one of the most distinguishing diagnostic factors for coarctation of the aorta. Other distinguishing clinical features include differences in the pulse at the groin and the neck and a distinctive harsh heart murmur that can be heard with a stethoscope placed over the patient’s back.

To help define the extent of the problem, a cardiologist may order several different types of imaging tests that may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiography
• Chest computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest
• Cardiac catheterization