Coarctation of the Aorta Diagnosed in a Fetus-Are We Done yet, or Is It Still a Challenge?

Echocardiography. 2026 May;43(5):e70477. doi: 10.1111/echo.70477.

Abstract

Prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta remains challenging due to reliance on indirect markers such as ventricular disproportion, which lack specificity and lead to high false-positive rates. Functional conditions, particularly redundant foramen ovale, may mimic coarctation through altered hemodynamics. Integration of morphological parameters improves diagnostic differentiation and supports more accurate prenatal risk stratification. Herein, we aim to share our insights into the prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Coarctation* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Coarctation* / embryology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal* / methods