Evaluation of coarctation of the aorta by computed tomography.

We used computed tomography (CT) after contrast medium administration to evaluate three adult patients with coarctation of the aorta. In preoperative scans, CT showed the aortic narrowing and deformity and the poststenotic dilation associated with coarctation. In postoperative examinations, CT was used to check for residual or recurrent narrowing and for the development of complications such as aneurysm or dissection. Since CT is noninvasive, it can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Its potential applications and its limitations with respect to aortography are discussed.