What cardiac anomaly is commonly associated with Turner syndrome?

Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition that occurs in females when one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing. This condition is associated with a number of clinical features, including various congenital heart defects. One of the most common cardiac anomalies found in individuals with Turner syndrome is coarctation of the aorta.

Coarctation of the aorta involves a narrowing of the aorta, typically just distal to the left subclavian artery. This can lead to significant cardiovascular consequences, including hypertension in the upper body, reduced blood flow to the lower body, and potential heart failure if not diagnosed and managed appropriately. The association between Turner syndrome and coarctation of the aorta is well documented and is thought to be due to the underlying developmental issues related to the missing or altered X chromosome.

While other cardiac anomalies such as ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, and transposition of the great vessels can occur in individuals with Turner syndrome, coarctation of the aorta is the most prevalent and characteristic anomaly associated with this genetic condition.