Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Creation of Two Saccular Elastase-Digested Aneurysms with Different Hemodynamics in One Rabbit
Published on: April 15, 2021
Childhood presentation of interrupted aortic arch with persistent carotid ducts
Somjate Suntratonpipat1, Simon D Bamforth2, Amy-Leigh Johnson2
1Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Insights
Interrupted aortic arch typically presents in infancy. This rare case highlights unusual childhood presentation with intact ventricular septum and persistent carotid ducts, visualized by cardiac MRI.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare congenital heart defect.
- Typical presentation occurs in early infancy due to reliance on the arterial duct.
- Most IAA cases involve intracardiac anomalies like ventricular septal defects.
Observation:
- This study reports an uncommon childhood presentation of IAA.
- The patient presented with an intact ventricular septum.
- Unusual bilateral collateral arteries, consistent with persistent carotid ducts, were observed.
Findings:
- Cardiac MRI angiography with 3D reconstruction precisely located the aortic arch interruption.
- The imaging delineated the extensive collateral circulation, including the persistent carotid ducts.
- This case demonstrates a unique collateral pathway in IAA.
Implications:
- Childhood presentation of IAA suggests significant collateral circulation development.
- Persistent carotid ducts represent an unusual collateral pathway in IAA.
- Cardiac MRI is crucial for defining complex aortic arch anatomy and collateral networks in rare pediatric cardiovascular conditions.
Abstract:
Interrupted aortic arch is a rare condition with typical presentation within the first few weeks of life, as the circulation is dependent upon patency of the arterial duct. Most cases are associated with intracardiac anomalies, the most common being a ventricular septal defect with some degree of hypoplasia and/or obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. Presentation beyond infancy is uncommon, and suggests the presence of well-developed collateral circulation. This case of childhood presentation of interrupted aortic arch and intact ventricular septum highlights the very unusual finding of bilateral collateral arteries consistent with persistent carotid ducts. Cardiac MRI angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction defined not only the site of interruption in the aortic arch but also the entire collateral circulation.
Related Concept Videos
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Thoracic Aorta

