Coarctation of the aorta. Roentgenographic assessment after operative correction.

Persistent abnormalities in the cardiac silhouette and aortic arch are frequent in the late follow-up of patients operated upon for coarctation of the aorta. These abnormalities for the most part can be correlated with age at operation, the presence of a coexistent uncorrected congenital anomaly, or a persistent hemodynamic defect. This group of patients requires continuing clinical and roentgenologic assessment, as these abnormalities are frequently the hallmarks of additional significant cardiovascular disease despite correction of the primary congenital defect.