Successful stenting for congenital coarctation of the distal thoracic aorta (middle aortic syndrome) in an adult.

We report a successful stent implantation for a coarctation lesion of the lower thoracic aorta in a 44-year-old male. This patient had suffered from claudication of both legs for 30 years. An aortogram revealed a coarctation of the distal thoracic aorta at T11 level with 60 mmHg peak systolic pressure gradient of across the lesion. A balloon angioplasty followed by an 18 mm x 40 mm sized stent implantation was performed successfully. The peak systolic gradient across the coarctation decreased from 60 to 15 mmHg. The patient's symptom was relieved immediately after stenting. No significant or adverse events were observed during 7 months clinical follow-up. Follow-up aortogram after 7 months revealed no restenosis with an improved pressure gradient. Adults with congenital coarctation of the descending thoracic aorta can be successfully treated by stent implantation.