Aortic interruption presenting with recurrent ischemic strokes in an adult
Atay Vural1, Ethem M Arsava, Burce Ozgen
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
Adults rarely present with interrupted aortic arch (IAA). This case highlights nonhemorrhagic stroke as a novel presentation of IAA, emphasizing the link between IAA, hypertension, and ischemic events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare congenital heart defect.
- Adult presentation of IAA is exceptionally uncommon.
- Nonhemorrhagic stroke has not been previously documented in adults with IAA.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old male, previously asymptomatic, presented with recurrent vertebrobasilar ischemic strokes.
- The strokes were attributed to accelerated atherosclerotic arteriopathy.
- This arteriopathy was secondary to hypertension associated with IAA.
Findings:
- Surgical correction of the interrupted aortic arch was performed.
- The intervention successfully treated the patient's hypertension.
- Post-surgical follow-up showed cessation of ischemic attacks.
- Computer tomography angiography revealed regression of collateral arterial networks.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of interrupted aortic arch in adults.
- It underscores the critical role of managing IAA-associated hypertension to prevent cerebrovascular events.
- Highlights the potential for surgical intervention to resolve secondary neurological complications.
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