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Double aortic arch with aortic atresia and left-sided type B interruption.
Carissa M Baker-Smith1, Angelo S Milazzo, Donald P Frush
1Duke University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Durham, NC 27710, USA. baker109@mc.duke.edu
Congenital Heart Disease
|June 26, 2010
Summary
A rare congenital heart defect, aortic valve atresia with interrupted aortic arch, was survived by a newborn. Blood flow originated from a persistent embryonic artery, not the typical aorticopulmonary or ductal routes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Developmental Biology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Aortic valve atresia with interrupted aortic arch is a critical congenital heart defect.
- This anomaly is exceedingly rare, with limited reported cases, and typically fatal without alternative blood supply to the ascending aorta.
Observation:
- A live birth presented with aortic valve atresia and interrupted left aortic arch (Type B).
- Crucially, there was no aorticopulmonary communication or ductal supply to the ascending aorta.
Findings:
- The ascending aorta received blood flow from a persistent right embryonic dorsal aorta.
- This unique vascular anatomy provided an alternative pathway for systemic circulation.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of congenital heart defect survival mechanisms.
- It suggests potential alternative therapeutic strategies for similar complex cardiac anomalies.
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