Coarctation of the Aorta and Turner's Syndrome

Coarctation of the aorta is best excluded by physical examination. If coarctation is present, the femoral pulses are delayed and decreased in amplitude compared to the brachial and radial pulses. The blood pressure in the legs is also lower than in the arms. A bicuspid aortic valve is often present in patients with coarctation of the aorta.


Ovarian agenesis, or Turner's syndrome, that is due to an xo chromosome abnormality may be associated with coarctation of the aorta in 10 to 20% of cases. These photographs are of patients with turner's syndrome and demonstrate the characteristic features including prominent, low set ears, lack of epicanthal folds, fish-like mouth and webbed neck. They are usually amenorrheic, sexually immature females.