Etymed
coarctation
Definition
The process of drawing or pulling tight; used in medical terms to describe a condition where a structure is narrowed or constricted
Clinical context
A 35-year-old patient presents with hypertension and weak pulses in the lower extremities. Physical examination reveals a blood pressure difference between arms and legs, with weak femoral pulses compared to brachial pulses. This constellation of findings suggests coarctation of the aorta.
Mnemonic
C-O-A-R-C-T - Coarctation of the Aorta is a narrowing that causes 'C'-onstriction and 'T'-ension differences