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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
03:40
Three-Dimensional Printing of a Complex Aortic Anomaly
Published on: November 1, 2018
Common aortic arch anomalies: diagnosis and management
Amy L Juraszek1, Kristine J Guleserian
1Departments of Pathology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Cardiac Registry, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Amy.Juraszek@cardio.chboston.org
Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine
|August 31, 2006
Summary
Vascular rings, rare congenital anomalies encircling the airway and esophagus, cause symptoms like noisy breathing and dysphagia. Surgical division of the vascular ring structures is the primary treatment, yielding excellent long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Vascular rings are congenital malformations encircling the trachea and esophagus.
- Common types include double aortic arch and right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery.
- Symptoms arise from airway or esophageal compression, varying with severity and age of presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of vascular rings.
- To highlight the role of advanced imaging in diagnosis.
- To discuss surgical interventions and long-term results.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic modalities including barium swallow, CT angiography, and MRI angiography.
- Description of surgical management including ring division and Kommerell's diverticulum remodeling.
- Discussion of clinical presentation and associated conditions like tracheomalacia.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis has shifted from barium swallow to advanced imaging like CT/MRI angiography.
- Surgical division of the vascular ring is the standard treatment.
- Associated tracheomalacia may prolong symptoms, but long-term prognosis is excellent.
Conclusions:
- Vascular rings require surgical intervention for effective management.
- Advanced imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Most patients achieve excellent long-term outcomes with minimal complications after surgery.
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