Abstract
Answer B. Coarctation of aorta
The clinical picture is highly suggestive of coarctation of the aorta. Newborns usually present with increased work of breathing, pale appearance, difficulty in feeding, weak femoral pulses and a difference in pre-ductal/post-ductal saturations. Older children usually present with shortness of breath (especially when exercising), muscle weakness, leg cramps, cold feet, nose bleeds and headaches. Clinicians might note examination findings of high blood pressure in the upper limbs as well as a heart murmur, which is usually a harsh systolic murmur with radiation to the back.
InnovAiT article: Heart murmurs in infants and children. DOI: 10.1177/17557380251325715.