Coarctation of the aorta accounts for 6·8% of congenital 
heart disease, with an incidence of one in 12 000 live 
births [1]. Coarctation is a heterogeneous lesion with 
variability in the degree and site of obstruction. This 
anatomical variation has an embryological reflection. Up 
till now, there is no sufficient data regarding the effect of 
this anatomical component of coarctation of the aorta on 
the short and long term prognosis after its treatment 
(surgical or percutaneous angioplasty). This relationship 
has to be clarified.