Quality of life after surgical correction of the aorta coarctation. Retrospective analysis of a group of patients with long-term follow-up
Amaral, F.; Granzotti, J.A.; Nunes, M.A.; Somerville, J.
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia 68(6): 421-427
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0066-782X PMID: 9515249 Document Number: 471683
To report on the long-term results after operation for coarctation of the aorta. One hundred and four patients were studied, divided in four groups (G1, G2, G3 and G4), according to age at operation. Data analysed: reoperation, persistent hypertension, residual lesions, left ventricular function and ability index. Reoperation was frequent, mainly in G1 (60%) and G4 (29%). Resting hypertension occurred predominantly in cases operated on after the 10th year of life: 28% (G3) and 29% (G4). Exercise hypertension was found in cases operated on after the 20th year. Residual lesions were frequent: 97%, 98%, 83% and 65% (G1 to G4). Individual functional limitation was uncommon. The ability index was normal in the great majority of the patients (94%). Reoperation is frequent, particularly for recoarctation and aortic stenosis. Rest and/or exercise hypertension is common and related to delayed surgery. Aortic residual lesions are frequent. Physical limitation is uncommon. Postoperative follow-up is essential in order to detect late complications, which, usually, do not limit the individual patient.