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Updated: May 22, 2026
07:12
An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
Imaging a boa constrictor--the incomplete double aortic arch syndrome
Rajeev L Narayan1, Anubhav Kanwar, Adam Jacobi
1Mount Sinai Heart, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, United States. rajeev.narayan@mountsinai.org
Heart, Lung & Circulation
|May 1, 2012
Summary
Incomplete double aortic arch, a rare congenital anomaly, can form a vascular ring causing symptoms. This case highlights incidental discovery in an asymptomatic adult, emphasizing imaging
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Incomplete double aortic arch is a rare congenital anomaly.
- It results from atresia of the distal left aortic arch, forming a fibrous cord.
- This can lead to symptomatic vascular rings causing respiratory or swallowing issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an incidental finding of incomplete double aortic arch in an asymptomatic adult.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing this anomaly on imaging.
- To discuss implications for surgical and interventional procedures.
Main Methods:
- Contrast-enhanced CT angiography was used for cardiac anatomy assessment.
- The study involved a retrospective review of an incidental finding.
- No specific interventions were performed on the patient for the anomaly itself.
Main Results:
- An asymptomatic 59-year-old male was incidentally found to have an incomplete double aortic arch.
- The anomaly included hypoplasia of the left arch segment and an aortic diverticulum.
- The patient was undergoing imaging for an unrelated cardiac procedure.
Conclusions:
- Incidental diagnosis of incomplete double aortic arch is possible in adults.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for identifying this anomaly.
- Recognition aids in planning surgical and percutaneous interventions.
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