What imaging clues raise suspicion for coarctation of the aorta in utero?

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What imaging clues raise suspicion for coarctation of the aorta in utero?

In utero, coarctation of the aorta is suggested when the aortic arch isthmus is underdeveloped (hypoplastic) and Doppler shows abnormal flow patterns in the aortic arch or in the ductus arteriosus–dependent systemic circulation. A hypoplastic isthmus means the narrowed segment between the left subclavian artery and the ductus creates a potential obstruction after birth, which is reflected by altered or reduced flow in the arch and by reliance on the ductus arteriosus to supply the lower body. Normal or brisk flow with a normal-appearing arch would not raise concern for a critical obstruction.

In utero, coarctation of the aorta is suggested when the aortic arch isthmus is underdeveloped (hypoplastic) and Doppler shows abnormal flow patterns in the aortic arch or in the ductus arteriosus–dependent systemic circulation. A hypoplastic isthmus means the narrowed segment between the left subclavian artery and the ductus creates a potential obstruction after birth, which is reflected by altered or reduced flow in the arch and by reliance on the ductus arteriosus to supply the lower body. Normal or brisk flow with a normal-appearing arch would not raise concern for a critical obstruction.

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