Asymptomatic Coarctation of the Aorta in Adults with Preserved Exercise Capacity

Intern Med. 2023 Apr 15;62(8):1171-1174. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0285-22. Epub 2022 Sep 6.

Abstract

We herein report a case of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in an asymptomatic adult who had a preserved exercise capacity. A 56-year-old man with mild hypertension exhibited left ventricular hypertrophy on an electrocardiogram during an annual medical checkup. Echocardiography showed a bicuspid aortic valve and cor triatriatum sinister, and subsequent computed tomography revealed CoA with developed collaterals. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing showed a good exercise capacity. He refused surgical repair and has been asymptomatic for five years. This case is of special interest, as CoA is usually rarely noticed during adulthood if there are no severe congenital anomalies, and in addition, this patient had good exercise capacity.

Keywords: bicuspid aortic valve; cardiopulmonary exercise testing; coarctation of the aorta; cor triatriatum sinister; hypertension.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aorta
  • Aortic Coarctation* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Coarctation* / surgery
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Exercise Tolerance
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged