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Aortic Arch Variants and Anomalies: Embryology, Imaging Findings, and Clinical Considerations
Sang Bin Bae1, Eun-Ju Kang2, Ki Seok Choo3
1Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.
Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
|October 24, 2022
Summary
Congenital aortic arch anomalies range from incidental findings to severe symptoms. Understanding embryology and imaging features is key for diagnosis and managing these variations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Embryology
- Radiology
Background:
- Aortic arch anomalies present a wide spectrum, from asymptomatic variations to symptomatic conditions causing respiratory or esophageal issues.
- These anomalies can be associated with congenital heart disease or chromosomal abnormalities.
- Multidetector computed tomography (CT) increasingly leads to incidental detection of aortic arch variations in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the embryological development of the thoracic aorta.
- To discuss variations and anomalies of the aortic arch.
- To highlight clinical implications and diagnostic imaging features.
Main Methods:
- Review of embryological development of the thoracic aorta.
- Discussion of aortic arch anomalies and variants.
- Emphasis on cross-sectional imaging modalities like multidetector CT and MRI.
Main Results:
- Aortic arch anomalies have diverse presentations and clinical significance.
- Embryological understanding aids in classifying these variations.
- Imaging features on CT and MRI are crucial for diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Radiologists and clinicians must recognize aortic arch anomalies and their associated risks.
- Awareness of embryological origins aids classification.
- Advanced imaging is vital for accurate diagnosis and evaluation.
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