Coarctation of the aorta is an abnormality of the aortic media and intima leading to narrowing of the lumen. Narrowing is seen distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery. It accounts for 5%-10% of all congenital cardiac conditions. It is known to be associated with Turner's syndrome.

Two types are known:

• infantile pre-ductal type
• adult post-ductal type

Infants present with congestive heart failure with failure to thrive and adults present with hypertension and difference in blood pressures between upper and lower extremities.

Rib notching (inferior) is a common x-ray finding in adult type as the dilated tortuous intercostal arteries form grooves on the undersurface of the ribs.