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Interrupted aortic arch: spectrum of MRI findings

Jonathan R Dillman1, Sai G Yarram, Anthony R D'Amico

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, University Hospital, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. jonadill@med.umich.edu

AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|May 22, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers accurate diagnosis and characterization of IAA and associated heart defects, aiding in postoperative evaluation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly characterized by a discontinuity between the ascending and descending aorta.
  • Traditional diagnostic methods include echocardiography and angiography, but these may have limitations in fully characterizing the anomaly and associated defects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse types of interrupted aortic arch (IAA).
  • To elucidate the pathogenesis, diagnostic imaging features (particularly MRI), treatment strategies, and prognostic outcomes associated with IAA.
  • To highlight the role of MRI in diagnosing IAA and associated congenital heart defects, and in evaluating postoperative complications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on interrupted aortic arch (IAA).
  • Focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for diagnosis and characterization.
  • Analysis of treatment approaches and prognostic indicators.

Main Results:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrates high accuracy in diagnosing and characterizing various forms of interrupted aortic arch (IAA).
  • MRI effectively identifies associated congenital heart defects.
  • MRI is valuable for assessing postoperative complications following surgical repair of IAA.

Conclusions:

  • Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly requiring accurate diagnostic tools.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides comprehensive evaluation of IAA, surpassing traditional methods in characterizing the anomaly and associated cardiac defects.
  • MRI is a crucial modality for both initial diagnosis and postoperative surveillance in patients with interrupted aortic arch (IAA).

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