Question 9: 50ish yr old male with chest x-ray suggesting a mediastinal mass. What is the diagnosis?

Diagnosis: Pseudocoarctation of the Aorta

Pseudocoarctation of the Aorta: Facts

• Elongated and redundant thoracic aorta with kink distal to left subclavian artery at ligamentum arteriosum
• May present age 10 thru age 70
• Usually asymptomatic but reportedly associated with hypertension, bicuspid aortic valve, anomalies of arch branches
• No pressure gradient present
• Esophagus may be displaced
• No rib notching

Differential Diagnosis

• True coarctation
• Aneurysm of the arch
• Mediastinal mass

COA s/p Repair