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Question 4#

The most common location for a coarctation of the aorta (COA) is:

A. Aortic arch
B. Distal to the left subclavian artery
C. At the diaphragm
D. At the level of the renal arteries

Correct Answer is B

Comment:

Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is defined as a luminal narrowing in the aorta that causes an obstruction to blood flow. This narrowing is most commonly located distal to the left subclavian artery. The embryologic origin of COA is a subject of some controversy. One theory holds that the obstructing shelf, which is largely composed of tissue found within the ductus, forms as the ductus involutes. The other theory holds that a diminished aortic isthmus develops secondary to decreased aortic flow in infants with enhanced ductal circulation.