Coarctation of aorta in a 52-year-old female.

Coarctation of the aorta is a complex vascular lesion that usually originates distal to the left subclavian artery. It accounts for 5-10% of all congenital cardiovascular malformations and carries a high morbidity and mortality risk. Symptoms depend on the severity of the disease and other coexisting anomalies. Early in life, diagnosis is usually based on significant symptoms and physical findings. Many patients remain asymptomatic until adulthood, with most being diagnosed in the 2nd or 3rd decade. In this case report, we present a late diagnosis of aortic coarctation with a bicuspid aortic valve in a 52-year-old female. Our patient was relatively asymptomatic until she presented with chest discomfort, fatigue and dyspnea in her fifth decade of life. Based on the clinical presentation and the markedly elevated gradient, the patient was referred for corrective therapy.