Early and Late Death of Surgically Treated Patients With Coarctation of the Aorta

Abstract
Patients with coarctation of the aorta undergo operation with low mortality risk in most medical centers. Some patients do not survive the operation or die early in the follow up period. Operated patients (85) with coarctation of the aorta were studied. Three expired during hospitalization and all had severe associated anomalies, especially those of the aortic valve. Another 3 patients died early in the follow up period due to an ascending aortic aneurysm rupture in 1 case and massive bleeding through the infected suture line of the corrected coarctation in 2 cases. Associated anomalies and rupture of aortic aneurysms may be the most important causes of death in operated patients. Suture line infection of the corrected coarctation is an extremely rare complication but when it occurs it is almost always fatal. A well planned surgical approach for patients with associated anomalies, an aggressive surgical treatment for aortic aneurysms and an antiendocarditic antibiotic coverage for patients operated upon for coarctation are important measures in order to avoid or decrease mortality.