The cervical aortic arch

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Congenital Anomalies
• Medical Genetics

Background:

• Cervical aortic arch anomaly is a rare congenital condition characterized by the aortic arch extending into the neck.
• Previously, only nineteen cases were reported in the literature, with a perceived lower incidence of left-sided anomalies.
• The anatomical course involves the arch extending superiorly into soft neck tissues before descending.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report six additional cases of cervical aortic arch anomaly.
• To evaluate the incidence of left versus right cervical aortic arches.
• To identify associated cardiac anomalies in patients with cervical aortic arch.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of six cases diagnosed with cervical aortic arch anomaly.
• Analysis of anatomical location (left vs. right) and associated cardiovascular findings.
• Comparison with existing literature data on prevalence and characteristics.

Main Results:

• Six new cases of cervical aortic arch anomaly were identified and analyzed.
• Four of the six cases involved a left-sided cervical aortic arch, suggesting an equal incidence with right-sided anomalies.
• Four cases presented with concurrent cardiac anomalies, a previously unreported association.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of left cervical aortic arch anomaly may be equal to that of the right.
• Cervical aortic arch anomaly can be associated with other cardiac malformations.
• Further research is warranted to understand the embryological basis and clinical implications.