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How does aortic coarctation present? What genetic syndrome is it often associated with?

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Final answer:

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect that restricts blood flow through the aorta and can present with various symptoms, treated by surgery or angioplasty. It is often associated with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition affecting females.

Step-by-step explanation:

Coarctation of the aorta presents as a congenital abnormal narrowing typically located at the insertion of the ligamentum arteriosum. This congenital heart defect can drastically restrict blood flow through the aorta if severe and may present with different symptoms depending on the age of the individual. In infants, one may observe difficulty breathing, poor appetite, and failure to thrive. Older children and adults may experience dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and headaches. Treatment typically involves surgery or angioplasty.

Coarctation of the aorta is often associated with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition that affects females, where one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing. Turner syndrome can present with a variety of symptoms and findings including short stature, lymphedema, and characteristic facial features.

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