8th March 2024

Investigations

The chest radiograph will show indentation of the aorta at the site of CoA and notching of ribs due to erosion by large collateral arteries.

Echocardiography provides information on the site and extent of CoA, as well as the presence of LVH and associated cardiac defects. Colour Doppler may show increased turbulence in the descending aorta. Cardiac catheterisation studies can demonstrate pressure gradients between the left ventricle and femoral artery. Imaging of the entire aorta is usually performed with CT or CMR.