Unusual form of coarctation of the distal thoracic aorta.

We report the case of a 3-month-old girl with a rare form of coarctation involving the lower descending thoracic aorta. Because of clinical findings of congestive heart failure and hypertension, early repair was recommended. Surgical intervention in young patients with this unusual localization presents a complex challenge. Aortic reconstruction was carried out by patching the stenotic segment with autologous arterial tissue. Three years after the repair, there is no evidence of recoarctation or aneurysmal dilation.