Perinatal Vascular Changes in Coarctation of the Aorta with Distal Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Abstract

Infants with severe coarctation of the aorta and patent ductus arteriosus develop an increased pulmonary arterial muscle mass and hypertrophy of the right ventricle during fetal life. Much of this arterial muscle mass is retained after birth. The development of the systemic arterial bed is normal during both periods.