What is an expected finding in an infant diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta?

In an infant diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta, weak femoral pulses are an expected finding. Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect characterized by the narrowing of the aorta, typically occurring just after the left subclavian artery, which can significantly affect blood flow. As a result, the blood supply to the lower body is reduced, leading to weak or diminished pulses in the femoral arteries.

In this condition, the upper body often has better perfusion than the lower body due to the obstructive nature of the aorta. Consequently, while the blood pressure and pulses may be strong in the arms and head regions, the lower extremities, including the femoral arteries, may present with weak pulses. This difference in blood flow can be critical in diagnosing and managing the condition, making weak femoral pulses a key clinical indicator of coarctation of the aorta.