What is a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta?

What is a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta?

• A. Higher blood pressure and stronger pulses in the arms than in the legs
• B. Higher pulses in the legs than in the arms
• C. Cyanosis of all extremities
• D. Normal blood pressure in both arms and legs

Answer: (A)

Coarctation of the aorta creates a pressure gradient after the branches to the head and arms, so the upper body experiences higher pressure than the lower body. This leads to higher blood pressure and stronger, bounding pulses in the arms, with weaker pulses and lower pressure in the legs. A brachial–femoral delay may be heard or felt, reflecting the delayed and reduced flow to the lower extremities. Therefore, the typical finding is higher blood pressure and stronger pulses in the arms than in the legs. The other options don’t fit: leg pulses wouldn’t be stronger than arm pulses, cyanosis of all extremities isn’t a hallmark of isolated coarctation, and normal blood pressure in both arms and legs wouldn’t reveal the obstruction.

Coarctation of the aorta creates a pressure gradient after the branches to the head and arms, so the upper body experiences higher pressure than the lower body. This leads to higher blood pressure and stronger, bounding pulses in the arms, with weaker pulses and lower pressure in the legs. A brachial–femoral delay may be heard or felt, reflecting the delayed and reduced flow to the lower extremities. Therefore, the typical finding is higher blood pressure and stronger pulses in the arms than in the legs. The other options don’t fit: leg pulses wouldn’t be stronger than arm pulses, cyanosis of all extremities isn’t a hallmark of isolated coarctation, and normal blood pressure in both arms and legs wouldn’t reveal the obstruction.