What is the most common cardiovascular anomaly in Turner syndrome?

Turner syndrome is a genetic condition that arises when one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing in females. As a result, individuals with Turner syndrome often experience various health issues, including cardiovascular anomalies.

Among the cardiovascular anomalies associated with Turner syndrome, coarctation of the aorta is the most common. This condition involves a narrowing of the aorta, the major artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It can lead to significant complications such as hypertension and heart failure if not diagnosed and treated.

The prevalence of coarctation of the aorta in patients with Turner syndrome can be attributed to the embryological development anomalies associated with the condition. During the development of the vascular system, disruptions can occur, leading to structural heart defects such as this one.

While other cardiovascular anomalies, such as ventricular septal defects, pulmonary stenosis, and atrial septal defects, can also occur in individuals with Turner syndrome, they are not as commonly observed as coarctation of the aorta. Understanding this prevalence is important for proper screening and management of individuals with Turner syndrome, guiding clinicians to monitor for this specific anomaly.