[Early diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta in children: a challenge].

Coarctation of the aorta presents with characteristic and distinctive physical findings. Because delayed detection of severe forms may be fatal and late detection of classic forms is associated with premature cardiovascular disease in adult life, early detection and treatment is important. However, in our survey a few patients in whom aortic coarctation was ultimately diagnosed had the correct diagnosis made by the referring physician. Our survey suggests that an incomplete physical examination explains the diagnostic failure. This survey reaffirms the need for palpation of pulses and proper measurement of blood pressure in all infants and children to facilitate early recognition of coarctation.