Interrupted Aortic Arch in an Adult

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology

Background:

• Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare congenital abnormality, with limited reported adult cases.
• It involves a complete discontinuity between the ascending and descending aorta, often with coexisting cardiac defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of considering IAA in adult differential diagnoses for refractory hypertension.
• To emphasize the role of physical examination and MRA in diagnosing adult congenital aortic abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic findings in adult IAA cases.
• Utilization of Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) for detailed cardiovascular anatomy and function assessment.

Main Results:

• Refractory hypertension in adults can be a sign of undiagnosed IAA.
• MRA provides accurate, non-invasive, and radiation-free evaluation of aortic abnormalities and hemodynamic function.

Conclusions:

• IAA must be considered in adults presenting with refractory hypertension.
• Thorough physical examination, including limb blood pressure and pulses, is critical for prompt diagnosis.
• MRA is valuable for non-invasive assessment of congenital aortic abnormalities in adults.