Balloon angioplasty of native coarctation of the aorta: Midterm follow-up and prognostic factors

Objectives. This retrospective analysis was designed to examine the intermediate and long-term effects of balloon angioplasty for native coarctation of the aort and to determine whether any factors are predictive of outcome. Background. Balloon angioplasty for native coarctation of the aort is controversial. Concerns exist over lack of long-term follow-up and possible formation of aneurysms. The role of transverse arch and isthmus hypoplasi after balloon dilation is unknown. Methods. Included in the study were all patients 3 days to 29 years old (mean age 4.6 years) referred for possible balloon dilation to the pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory with evidence of discrete coarctation of the aorta. The hemodynamic data, angiograms and clinical records of 102 patients were examined, with follow-up dat from 2 to 117 months (median 36.2) available in 92 patients. Results. Immediate success with balloon angioplasty was achieved in 93 (91.2%) of the 102 patients. Seventy-one patients (77.2%) with intermediate follow-up dat (range 12 to 117 months) available are asymptomatic and normotensive, with insignificant arm to leg blood pressure gradients (≤20 mm Hg). Twenty-one patients (22.8%) with an initial successful result developed an increase in gradient 2 at 86 months after angioplasty, requiring reintervention in 18. Follow-up >72 months is available in 17 patients, 16 of whom are normotensive and have not required additional intervention. No additional intervention was needed in 88.4% of older children and infants >7 months old. Ten of the 13 surviving neonates who initially had successful dilation required reangioplasty or operation 14 days to 10 months (median 4.6 months) after angioplasty. Transverse arch hypoplasi had minimal effect on follow-up blood pressure gradient, whereas isthmic hypoplasi was associated with reintervention in 50%. small aneurysm was noted in 2 (1.9%) of 102 patients. Conclusions. Balloon angioplasty of native aortic coarctation is effective in infants and older children. In neonates, balloon angioplasty provides effective palliation only. Aneurysm formation is rare; however, lifetime follow-up is warranted.