Balloon dilation for aortic recoarctation: morphology at the site of dilation and long-term efficacy.

Objectives: We undertook this study to assess the immediate and long-term outcome of balloon angioplasty performed for recurrent or residual coarctation of the aorta, and to assess the changes in the vessel wall caused by this procedure.

Methods: Clinical, echocardiographic, angiographic and hemodynamic data from 71 patients who underwent balloon angioplasty for recoarctation between January 1987 and January 1998 were analysed retrospectively.

Results: Angioplasty was performed after a median of 82.6 months (range 1.4 mo-20.9 y, mean 88.5 mo) following surgery for coarctation. Mean systolic pressure gradients were reduced from 27 +/- 15 mmHg to 11 +/- 11 mmHg after angioplasty (p < 0.0001). The mean diameter at the site of recoarctation increased from 5.5 +/- 2.5 to 7.5 +/- 2.7 mm (p < 0.0001). Outpouchings of contrast agents, indicating the disruption of the inner layers of the vessel wall, were defined as extravasations. They were observed in one-quarter of the angiograms performed immediately after the intervention. Immediate success of angioplasty was achieved in 71%, and persisted in 69% of patients during long-term follow up. The main determinant for immediate success was the age at the time of the procedure (p < 0.05), while the main determinant for long-term success was the increase achieved in diameter. Extravasations did not progress to aneurysms, neither acutely nor during echocardiographic follow-up studies. For further follow-up, more sensitive imaging techniques will be necessary to delineate the morphology of the site of extravasation observed immediately after angioplasty.