What is a congenital anomaly of the arterial system characterized by narrowing or stricture of the thoracic aorta?

Coarctation of the aorta is a specific congenital condition that involves a narrowing or constriction of the aorta, typically occurring just distal to the left subclavian artery. This anomaly results in various hemodynamic changes, as the obstructed area causes a difference in blood pressure between the upper and lower parts of the body.

In children, coarctation often presents with hypertension in the upper extremities and hypotension in the lower extremities, which can be diagnosed through physical examination or imaging studies such as echocardiography or MRI. Correct identification of this condition is crucial, as it can lead to significant complications if left untreated, including heart failure, hypertension, and increased risk of aortic rupture.

In contrast, aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve rather than the aorta itself, while an aberrant subclavian artery refers to an abnormal positioning of one of the subclavian arteries without necessarily involving a narrowing. Patent ductus arteriosus describes a persistent connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery in infants, which is a different type of vascular anomaly. Each of these conditions has distinct clinical implications and presentations, which differentiates them from coarctation of the aorta.