Coarctation of the Aorta By Lee B Beerman, MD, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Apr 2023 View Patient Education Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points More Information Topic Resources Overview of Coarctation of... Coarctation of the aorta is a localized narrowing of the aortic lumen that results in upper-extremity hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and, if severe, malperfusion of the abdominal organs and lower extremities.