Objectives: We evaluated short- and mid-term results of balloon angioplasty performed in pediatric patients with aortic coarctation.
Study design: The study included 20 children (12 boys, 8 girls; mean age 3.4+/-3.7 years; range 15 days to 13 years) who underwent balloon angioplasty for aortic coarctation. The patients were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography for left ventricular functions and recoarctation within a mean follow-up period of 19.6+/-15.3 months (range 1 to 48 months).
Results: The mean peak systolic gradients were 49.8+/-14.7 mmHg and 9.3+/-11.1 mmHg before and just after balloon angioplasty, respectively (p<0.05). Decrease in the gradients was not sufficient in three cases. During the follow-up period, transient loss of lower extremity pulses was seen in two cases, and a small aneurysmal formation in one case. Procedure-related mortality did not occur. The mean left ventricle mass index decreased by 4.3% following the procedure (p>0.05). Despite successful balloon angioplasty, hypertension persisted in two cases whose ages were 11 and 13 years, respectively. Restenoses were observed in five cases within a mean of six months, which were dealt with by surgical resection and end-to-end anastomosis in four cases, and by subclavian flap angioplasty in one case. Despite surgical resection-anastomosis and subclavian flap angioplasty, two patients developed restenosis, for which repeat balloon angioplasty was planned.
Conclusion: Considering its short- and mid-term results, balloon angioplasty is a successful and reliable procedure in the treatment of aortic coarctation.