Congenital Heart Disease USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 2-year-old boy with Down syndrome is brought to the physician by his mother for a follow-up examination. His blood pressure is increased in the upper extremities and decreased in the lower extremities. His temperature is 37.0°C, heart rate is 104/min, and respiratory rate is 24/min. Physical examination shows cyanosis of the lower extremities. An AP x-ray of the chest shows notching of the inferior surfaces of the 3rd through 8th ribs. The diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy is suspected. Which of the following is the most likely underlying abnormality in this patient?
Answer choices
- AAtrial septal defect
- BCoarctation of the aortaCorrect answer
- CPersistent truncus arteriosus
- DTetralogy of Fallot
- ETransposition of the great arteries
- FPatent ductus arteriosus
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