Resumen

FERNANDEZ ARIAS, Manuel Antonio et al. Blood hypertension secondary to aorta coarctation: A propos of a case. Rev cubana med [online]. 2007, vol.46, n.2. ISSN 0034-7523.

Here is the case of a man with refractory blood hypertension secondary to aorta coarctation diagnosed at the age of 41 years. This patient had had a history of blood hypertension since he was 19 years-old but he had not managed to get his blood pressure figures under control despite hypertensive therapeutics comprising 3 drugs and one diuretic. On physical exam, there were no femoral, popliteal and pedo bilateral pulses and the fall in blood pressure of lower limbs was marked, so these elements strongly indicated aorta coarctation. Comments were made on diagnostic tools like EchoDoppler applied to the lower limbs, thoracic radiography, echocardiogram, angiography and aortography for the diagnosis of these cases. It was concluded that coarctation of the aorta is a curable cause of secondary blood hypertension that, though rare, should be taken into account in the event of a young patient with high blood pressure and that a detailed physical exam including pulse palpation and blood pressure taking in the lower limbs is almost an imperative in order to make an early diagnosis and avoid potential complications.

Palabras clave : Aorta coarctation; refractory blood hypertension; claudication; angiography.