What is the Difference Between Coarctation and Hypoplastic Aortic Arch?

Coarctation of the aorta and hypoplastic aortic arch are both congenital heart defects that affect the aorta, but they have distinct differences:

Coarctation of the aorta:

• It is a narrowing of the aorta, usually just after the outlet that supplies blood to the head and arms.
• The narrowing restricts the passage of fluid, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood to other organs.
• Some patients may also develop hypoplasia when the reduction involves the entire aortic arch.
• Treatment often involves surgery to resect the narrow segment of the aorta and join it to the unaffected portion.

Hypoplastic aortic arch:

• It is a congenital heart defect in which part of the aorta, called the aortic arch, is underdeveloped and narrowed.
• The condition often affects babies who have coarctation of the aorta or other congenital heart conditions.
• Diagnosis usually happens soon after birth.
• Treatment involves surgery to repair the baby's aorta, improving blood flow.

In some cases, coarctation of the aorta and aortic arch hypoplasia can occur together, meaning there is narrowing in an extended portion of the aorta, not just at one point. In these cases, the term "coarctation of the aorta with aortic arch hypoplasia" may be used.

Comparative Table: Coarctation vs Hypoplastic Aortic Arch

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and hypoplastic aortic arch (AAH) are two congenital heart defects that affect the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two conditions:

Both CoA and AAH predominantly affect children and infants. They can be identified using imaging tests such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and echocardiography, as well as ECG. Surgery is the main form of treatment for both conditions.