Related Experiment Videos
[Double aortic arch-three cases report and operative treatment]
Y C Chen1, K S Hsieh, C W Chen
1Section of pediatrics, Veterans General Hospital-Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi = Chinese Medical Journal; Free China Ed
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Double aortic arch, a rare congenital vascular anomaly, can cause airway obstruction in infants. Early diagnosis via esophagogram and echocardiogram is crucial for timely surgical intervention and improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Double aortic arch is a rare congenital vascular anomaly presenting diagnostic challenges.
- Early recognition is critical for managing associated symptoms like airway obstruction.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of double aortic arch diagnosed between 1982 and 1992 are presented.
- One case involved delayed diagnosis due to concurrent dilated cardiomyopathy, leading to a poor long-term outcome despite surgical relief of airway obstruction.
- Two cases were promptly diagnosed using barium esophagogram and echocardiography, with successful surgical correction and no associated cardiovascular abnormalities identified by MRI.
Findings:
- Esophagogram effectively demonstrates extrinsic esophageal compression.
- Echocardiography can identify the presence of two aortic arches.
- MRI confirmed no other cardiovascular anomalies in two patients.
Implications:
- Double aortic arch should be suspected in infants under 3 months presenting with dyspnea and dysphagia.
- Bedside esophagogram and echocardiography are recommended as routine diagnostic tools for suspected cases.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention can significantly improve outcomes for infants with double aortic arch.