What is the aortic plus layer? The normal human arterial vasculature consists of 3 layers of structures, the intima, the mesentery and the epima. The 3 layers fit closely together and carry the blood flow through. Aortic coarctation is the gradual peeling and expansion of the intima due to a localized tear in the intima and a strong blood shock, creating two lumens, true and false, in the artery. What are the manifestations of aortic coarctation? The most common symptom is sudden and severe chest and back pain, tearing or knife-like, unbearable and persistent, which is difficult to be relieved by analgesic drugs. It often occurs when lifting heavy objects, playing ball or during abnormal excitement. What are the categories of aortic coarctation? Aortic coarctation is classified into Stanford type A and type B according to the extent of involvement of the aortic coarctation: all involving the ascending aorta and the arch are type A; those involving only the descending aorta are type B. How is aortic coarctation diagnosed? When typical symptoms of aortic coarctation are present, the disease must be highly suspected. The disease should be diagnosed immediately at a hospital with an enhanced CT examination. How to treat aortic coarctation? Once it is clear that it is aortic coarctation, blood pressure should be controlled to normal range and pain relief should be adequate immediately. For type B aortic coarctation, minimally invasive endoluminal stenting is the main treatment. For type A aortic coarctation, open-heart surgery should be performed. Who are the common causes of aortic coarctation? People with Marfan’s syndrome, aortitis, severe obesity, poorly controlled hypertension, and aortic aneurysmal dilatation are prone to aortic coarctation.