Successful percutaneous stenting of coarctation of the aorta in Turner syndrome – a case report and literature review

Abstract

Turner syndrome (TS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality affecting females and cardiac abnormalities have been described in up to 50% of patients. Although coarctation represents one of the most frequent cardiac malformation, treatment options in these patients represent an area of debate, due to associated aortopathy and risk for aortic dissection. In addition to the contradictory data found in the literature, regarding the safety profile and utility of stenting of coarctation of the aorta in TS patients, we present the case of a patient of pediatric age, who successfully underwent the procedure, being free from periprocedural and short-term complications. Beside the presentation itself, we aimed to review and summarize the data available in the literature regarding this topic. As a conclusion, we emphasize the role of minimally invasive interventional therapy and wish to underline the need of further, larger scale studies and guidelines in this patient group. Given the related aortopathy, all preventive measures should be undertaken to avoid aortic dissection during stent implantation in this vulnerable population. Although the evolution of our patient was favorable, data found in the literature is somewhat contradictory and a close follow-up is indicated to help evaluate the risk of long-term complications.