Double Aortic Arch—Child
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionDouble 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).
Causes TOPDouble aortic arch is a birth defect. This means that the baby is born with it. The cause is not known. Risk Factors TOPRisk factors are not well known. Symptoms TOPYour baby may have:
Diagnosis TOPIt 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 TOPTalk with your doctor about the best plan for your child. Options are: SurgeryIf 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 MonitoringYour child will have regular exams from a heart specialist. Prevention TOPDouble 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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