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Published on: March 28, 2025
[Interrupted aortic arch in a 42-year-old man]
Ning Bao1, Yu Zhang, Zhiguo Zhang
1Cardiovascular Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China. baoning007007@yahoo.cn
Summary
Interrupted aortic arch, a rare congenital condition, is typically fatal in infancy. This case highlights its unusual presentation in a 42-year-old hypertensive man, emphasizing diagnostic vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Imaging
- Congenital Malformations
Background:
- Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a severe congenital heart defect with high infant mortality.
- Adult presentation of IAA is exceptionally rare, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old male with hypertension presented with a diagnosed interrupted aortic arch distal to the left subclavian artery.
- Computed tomography angiography revealed extensive collateral circulation supplying the descending aorta.
Findings:
- The patient's blood pressure was successfully managed with antihypertensive therapy.
- The case underscores the potential for IAA to remain undiagnosed into adulthood.
Implications:
- Suggests the importance of thorough auscultation in hypertensive patients, particularly for chest and back murmurs.
- Highlights the critical role of computed tomography angiography in diagnosing rare vascular anomalies like IAA to prevent misdiagnosis.
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