[Coarctation of the aorta presenting as a pulsatile occipital mass]. / Coarctation de l'aorte révélée par une masse occipitale pulsatile.

ABSTRACT

A healthy 18 months old boy, is referred to our hospital for a thrilling pulsatile mass behind the left ear. Aortography in the ascending aorta shows a severe coarctation with almost interruption of the aorta between the left carotid and left subclavian artery. Both external carotid arteries provide an important collateral pathway through occipital arteries to two dilated vertebral arteries. Descending aorta is feeding by a reverse blood flow into vertebral and subclavian arteries. The child has been operated. This is an original presentation of severe coarctation of the aorta with development of an important and vital collateral pathway.