Qualidade de vida após correção cirúrgica de coarctação da aorta. Análise retrospectiva de um grupo de pacientes seguidos a longo prazo / Quality of Life after Correction of Coarctation of the Aorta. Retrospective Analysis of a Group of Patients Followed in the Long-Term

RESUMO

PURPOSE: To report on the long-term results after operation for coarctation of the aorta. METHODS: One hundred and four patients were studied, divided in four groups (G1, G2, G3 and G4), according to age at operation. Data analysed: reoperation, persistent hypertension, residual lesions, left ventricular function and ability index. RESULTS: Reoperation was frequent, mainly in G1 (60) and G4 (29). Resting hypertension occurred predominantly in cases operated on after the 10th year of life: 28(G3) and 29(G4). Exercise hypertension was found in cases operated on after the 20th year. Residual lesions were frequent: 97, 98, 83and 65(G1 to G4). Individual functional limitation was uncommon. The ability index was normal in the great majority of the patients (94). CONCLUSION: Reoperation is frequent, particularly for recoarctation and aortic stenosis. Rest and/or exercise hypertension is common and related to delayed surgery. Aortic residual lesions are frequent. Physical limitation is uncommon. Postoperative follow-up is essential in order to detect late complications, which, usually, do not limit the individual patient.