Ultrasonic Imaging of Vascular Rings and Other Anomalies Causing Tracheobronchial Compression

Display of aortic arch anatomy using single plane views does not readily allow for a three-dimensional interpretation of structural relationships. A method that includes a sweep consisting of multiple contiguous frontal planes has been developed for the evaluation of the arch sidedness and number, brachiocephalic vessel pattern, upper descending thoracic aorta sidedness, ductus arteriosi site(s), and proximal pulmonary arteries. The addition of Doppler color flow mapping aids in the tracing of multiple vascular structures in complex cases, and in assessing ductus arteriosi and arch patency. Posterior angulation can display encirclement of the air-filled trachea in cases of double aortic arch. Vascular ring segments without lumens cannot be displayed. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 13, May 1996)