Which condition is likely indicated by decreased femoral artery pulses and high blood pressure in a 12-year-old patient?

The condition indicated by decreased femoral artery pulses coupled with high blood pressure in a 12-year-old patient is coarctation of the aorta. This condition involves a narrowing or constriction of the aorta, which is typically located just distal to the left subclavian artery. When this narrowing occurs, it can lead to higher blood pressure in the upper body and arms because the heart pumps harder to push blood through the constricted segment.

Conversely, the lower part of the body, including the femoral artery, may receive reduced blood flow, resulting in weak or diminished pulses. The discrepancy in blood pressure measurements—elevated in the arms and diminished in the legs—strongly suggests this diagnosis. Coarctation of the aorta can lead to significant long-term complications if not addressed, including hypertension, heart failure, and aortic rupture.

Other conditions listed do not typically present with this specific combination of symptoms. For instance, a patellar injury would primarily affect the knee and would not influence peripheral arterial flow or systemic blood pressure in this manner. Peripheral artery occlusion typically affects distal circulation, potentially causing pain or weakness in the limbs but not necessarily the hypertension observed in this scenario. Congenital heart disease encompasses