RARITY OF COARCTATION OF AORTA IN AMERICAN NEGRO

One hundred and seventy-seven cases of coarctation of the aorta were reviewed. Among patients having coarctation, only 4 per cent were American Negroes, whereas of the general pediatric cardiac population, Negroes made up 20 to 30 per cent (p<0.005). The incidence of isolated patent ductus arteriosus and ventricular septal defect among Negroes was similar to that in the general hospital population and the state-wide Florida population. Atrial septal defects, with or without partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, had a lower incidence in Negro children. Whether this represents poor detection or a second congenital cardiac anomaly having a lower incidence in the American Negro cannot be stated. Until the accumulation of further evidence,we must conclude that coarctation of the aorta is rare in the American Negro. A similar observation has been noted in the population of Southeast Asia. © 1969 The C. V. Mosby Company.