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Variations of the aortic arch - a study on the most common branching patterns
Marguerite Müller1, Bernd L Schmitz, Sandra Pauls
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Section Neuroradiology, University Ulm, Germany. marguerite.mueller@uni-ulm.de
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|May 21, 2011
Summary
Anatomical variations of the aortic arch are common, found in 13.3% of patients. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is effective for identifying these aortic arch branching patterns.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical variations
- Vascular imaging
- Computed tomography
Background:
- Anatomical variants of the aortic arch are frequently observed as incidental findings during computed tomography (CT) scans.
- These variations are clinically relevant for angiography, endovascular interventions, and can cause symptoms like dysphagia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze common anatomical variations in arteries originating from the aortic arch.
- Utilize contrast CT imaging techniques for comprehensive analysis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2033 contrast CT scans from diverse hospital departments.
- Selection of cases without prior patient history to ensure a representative sample.
Main Results:
- A total of 13.3% of patients exhibited aortic arch variations.
- Specific variations included truncus bicaroticus (8.0%), aberrant left vertebral artery (4.2%), aberrant right subclavian artery (1.0%), and a single case of a right descending aortic arch.
Conclusions:
- Aortic arch and branching variations are frequent, often found incidentally.
- Contrast-enhanced CT is a valuable imaging modality for studying aortic arch anatomy and branching patterns.
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