Neurogenic intermittent claudication associated with aortic steal from the anterior spinal artery complicating coarctation of the aorta

Abstract

✓ A boy born with coarctation of the aorta developed postmeningitic hydrocephalus associated with aqueductal stenosis in the first year of life; a ventriculoatrial shunt was performed. When 11 years old, following an operation on the coarctation, he developed neurogenic intermittent claudication superimposed on a preexisting spastic weakness of his legs. Investigations disclosed the intraspinal collateral vessels to be stealing blood through the anterior spinal artery to the aorta below the incompletely relieved coarctation. Revision of the coarctation repair and diversion within the thorax of the main collateral channel from the anterior spinal artery to the distal aorta relieved the intermittent claudication.