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Right aortic arch with isolated left brachiocephalic artery
B Singh1, K S Satyapal, J Moodley
1Department of Surgery, University of Natal, Congella 4013, South Africa.
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|January 3, 2001
Summary
A rare right aortic arch anomaly, isolated left brachiocephalic artery, was found in a patient with subclavian steal syndrome. This case highlights the importance of recognizing uncommon aortic arch variations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular medicine
- Vascular surgery
- Medical imaging
Background:
- The right aortic arch is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Complete isolation of the left brachiocephalic artery is exceptionally rare.
- Subclavian steal syndrome can arise from various vascular abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old female presented with recurrent dizziness, vertigo, and left arm claudication.
- Diagnostic workup revealed a right aortic arch with an isolated left brachiocephalic artery.
- These symptoms were attributed to subclavian steal syndrome secondary to this anomaly.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported association of right aortic arch with isolated left brachiocephalic artery and subclavian steal syndrome.
- The anatomical variation led to reversed blood flow in the left subclavian artery.
- Literature review confirms the rarity of this specific combination of aortic arch anomalies.
Implications:
- Increased clinical awareness and advanced imaging are crucial for diagnosing such rare conditions.
- Understanding these anomalies can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management.
- Further research into the embryological basis and clinical spectrum of these variations is warranted.