Midaortic Syndrome and Renovascular Hypertension Program

About us

The Midaortic Syndrome and Renovascular Hypertension (MAS/RVH) Program at Boston Children's Hospital diagnoses, treats and provides long-term support for children of all ages with mid-aortic syndrome, renovascular hypertension or both.

• Midaortic syndrome (also known as middle aortic syndrome or coarctation of the abdominal aorta) is a narrowing of the parts of the aorta (the main artery that delivers oxygen-rich blood throughout the body) running through the chest and abdomen.
   
• Renovascular hypertension (usually associated with renal artery stenosis) is hypertension (high blood pressure) that results from decreased blood flow to the kidneys.

MAS and RVH may also be associated with the following conditions:

• Alagille syndrome, a genetic disorder leading to reduced bile flow because of too few bile ducts inside the liver
• Moyamoya disease, a rare condition in which the walls of the internal carotid arteries become thickened and narrowed
• Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that can cause a variety of medical issues
• Williams syndrome, a rare, inherited disorder that can cause both neurodevelopmental and cardiovascular complications

Along with our extensive experience in the treatment of midaortic syndrome and renovascular hypertension in young children, we also treat other unusual vascular conditions, including:

1. Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA)
2. Aneurysms of other arteries, including splenic, renal or peripheral artery aneurysms
3. Traumatic aortic injuries requiring stent grafts or surgical repair
4. Other conditions resulting in blockage of arteries, including congenital anomalies or those conditions caused by repeated trauma to an artery such as femoral artery occlusion due to repeated artery punctures for cardiac catheterization

Our clinicians—representing Boston Children's Vascular Anomalies Center, Heart Center, Division of Nephrology, Pediatric Transplant Center, Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Anesthesia and Department of Surgery—combine their expertise to develop customized care plans for each child.

We work closely together in a collaborative team approach, and see patients and their families in a conveniently accessible central location.