Prepare for the CVP and GI Pathology Exam 2 with detailed questions and comprehensive explanations. Enhance your understanding of key topics to increase your chances of passing with confidence and excel in your exams!

Multiple Choice

Coarctation of the aorta is mostly related to:

Coarctation of the aorta creates a high-resistance outflow segment, so blood pressure rises proximal to the narrowing. That means the upper body, including the arms and head, experiences hypertension, while perfusion to the lower body is reduced, often with weak femoral or leg pulses and possible claudication. Cyanosis is not a typical feature of isolated coarctation; it would suggest a mixing or pulmonary issue rather than the constriction itself. In some neonatal, ductus-dependent cases, poor systemic perfusion can occur if the ductus closes, but the hallmark remains elevated blood pressure in the upper body with reduced lower-body flow. Hence hypertension is the most closely related feature.

Coarctation of the aorta creates a high-resistance outflow segment, so blood pressure rises proximal to the narrowing. That means the upper body, including the arms and head, experiences hypertension, while perfusion to the lower body is reduced, often with weak femoral or leg pulses and possible claudication. Cyanosis is not a typical feature of isolated coarctation; it would suggest a mixing or pulmonary issue rather than the constriction itself. In some neonatal, ductus-dependent cases, poor systemic perfusion can occur if the ductus closes, but the hallmark remains elevated blood pressure in the upper body with reduced lower-body flow. Hence hypertension is the most closely related feature.