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Double Aortic Arch—Child

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Double aortic arch is a type of vascular ring heart defect. A large artery called the aorta branches into right and left tubes, instead of just being one large tube. The two tubes can circle around and press the airways and the tube that brings food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus).

Heart Chambers and Valves

Blood Flow Through the Heart

Causes TOP

Double aortic arch is a birth defect. This means that the baby is born with it. The cause is not known.

Risk Factors TOP

Risk factors are not well known.

Symptoms TOP

Your baby may have:

Problems breathing
Lung infections
Poor feeding, such as choking
Trouble swallowing
Vomiting

Diagnosis TOP

It may be noticed in infancy, but it is often found later.

You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

Pictures may be taken of your child’s body. This can be done with:

Treatment TOP

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for your child. Options are:

Surgery

If your child is having symptoms like problems breathing, surgery will be done. The goal is to tie off and close one of the extra branches. Symptoms may get better right away or get better over time.

Lifelong Monitoring

Your child will have regular exams from a heart specialist.

Prevention TOP

Double aortic arch can’t be prevented.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org

Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.com

References:

Double aortic arch. Johns Hopkins University, Cove Point Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated January 24, 2017. Accessed June 28, 2018.

Vascular rings and slings. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated November 9, 2017. Accessed June 28, 2018.

Last reviewed May 2018 by Kari Kassir, MD
Last Updated: 6/28/2018

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