14-Year-Old Sudanese Boy Saved from Rare, Life-Threatening Heart Condition at Aster Hospital Mankhool
Mazin was brought to Aster Hospital after experiencing persistent fatigue, a blackout episode, and elevated blood pressure, symptoms highly unusual for his age. An initial cardiac assessment revealed signs of left ventricular hypertrophy, prompting advanced imaging, including ECG, echocardiogram, and CT aortography. These tests confirmed the presence of coarctation of the aorta, a congenital condition where the aorta, the major artery carrying blood from the heart to the body is abnormally narrowed.
Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a relatively common congenital heart defect in children, accounting for about 4-6% of all congenital heart defects, according to Wolters Kluwer. It is estimated to occur in about 1 out of every 2900 live births.(1_2) Prenatal diagnosis of CoA is possible but challenging, with a low detection rate for isolated cases before birth.(3) CoA is more prevalent in males than females, affecting a higher percentage of male births.(4) While CoA is relatively common among congenital heart defects, diagnosis in adolescence age like Mazin's is extremely unusual.
This condition is most often detected in infancy or early childhood. It is extremely rare to diagnose coarctation of the aorta at the age of 14, as was the case with Mazin, making this a highly uncommon presentation.
Dr. Naveed Ahmed, Head of Cardiology at Aster Hospitals & Clinics, UAE, and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Aster Hospital Mankhool, said 'Coarctation of the aorta is typically diagnosed during infancy or early childhood. It's extremely rare to catch it this late, and had it gone unnoticed for a few more years, it could have led to permanent hypertension, heart failure, or even stroke. While the procedure itself was technically smooth due to precise pre-procedural planning based on CT imaging, the true complexity of this case lies in the delayed diagnosis. Identifying and successfully treating the condition in adolescence after years of being missed made it both clinically challenging and unique.'
Instead of open-heart surgery, the cardiology team opted for a minimally invasive coarctoplasty with stent placement, performed via the femoral artery. The outcome was excellent, and Mazin is expected to return to a full and active life.
The minimally invasive procedure involved the insertion of a balloon-mounted stent to open the narrowed section of the aorta. This approach avoids open surgery, reduces hospital stay, and ensures faster recovery, all of which proved vital for a young, active patient.
Mazin's blood pressure normalized post-procedure, and he experienced a noticeable improvement in his energy levels, resuming his daily activities within a day. He is anticipated to return to sports and full physical activity within the next 4-6 weeks.
If this condition had remained undetected for a few more years, it could have led to irreversible complications such as chronic hypertension, elevated stroke risk, heart failure, and significantly reduced life expectancy. With timely intervention, Mazin is now expected to lead a normal life with routine follow-ups.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Mazin said, 'Before the treatment, I felt tired all the time and couldn't play or do normal things like other kids. Now I feel healthy and strong again. I'm so grateful to Dr. Naveed and the team at Aster Hospital Mankhool for helping me get my life back.'
His mother and brother, who accompanied him during treatment, also expressed deep gratitude towards Dr. Naveed and the entire medical and nursing staff for their care, compassion, and professionalism throughout the journey.
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and advanced medical capabilities in preventing long-term complications from congenital conditions. Aster Hospital Mankhool continues to stand at the forefront of specialized cardiac care in the region, delivering life-changing interventions through innovation, expertise, and patient-centered care.
[1]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4710863/#:~:text=Coarctation%20of%20the%20aorta%20(C)%20is%20the,live%20births%20with%20congenital%20heart%20disease%201%2C2
[2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283895851_Coarctation_of_the_Aorta
[3]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3987479/#:~:text=The%20prenatal%20diagnosis%20of%20fetal,postnatal%20complications%20and%20longterm%20morbidity.
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4016755/
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