Coarctation of the aorta in children. Late results after surgery.

From 1960 to 1970, 110 patients underwent operation for coarctation of the aorta. The overall mortality was 23%. However, in infants operated on at less than 6 months of age, the mortality was 63%, whereas there was only a 4% mortality in those operated on after 6 months of age. Late follow-up was available in 87 patients from five to 15 years postoperatively. There was a 14% frequency of recoarctation in the group of long-term survivors. Systemic hypertension, defined as an upper extremity blood pressure greater than 140/90 mm Hg, was found in 23% of the survivors. This study has demonstrated a significant frequency of postcoarctectomy hypertension and residual hemodynamic and angiographic abnormalities in patients without clinical evidence of recoarctation. This indicates the need for continued long-term follow-up of these patients.