Although coarctation of the aorta is recognized during life more frequently now than heretofore, it remains a relatively uncommon and interesting condition. Of approximately 250 cases of the adult type, reported in the literature, only about 25 have been diagnosed during life and confirmed at autopsy. In about 50 others the diagnosis has been made on more or less substantial ground during life. There are, no doubt, many cases that are unrecognized or are unexpectedly discovered at postmortem examination. The reason for this may be that, while the clinical picture is often unmistakable because of the mildness and paucity of symptoms, the physician is often not consulted until a serious complication arises and the condition of the patient makes a careful examination not feasible.
The report of a single case by us seems justified for three reasons: The physical findings are classic; there is an interesting and unusual anomaly of