Aortic arch syndrome

Also known as: Subclavian artery occlusive syndrome, Carotid artery occlusion syndrome, Subclavian steal syndrome or Vertebral-basilar artery occlusive syndrome

Definition

Aortic arch syndrome refers to a group of signs and symptoms associated with structural problems in the arteries that branch off the aortic arch. The aortic arch is the top part of the main artery carrying blood away from the heart.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Aortic arch syndrome problems are most often associated with trauma, blood clots, or malformations that develop before birth. The arteries' defects result in abnormal blood flow to the head, neck, or arms.

In children, there are multiple types of aortic arch syndromes, including:

• Congenital absence of a branch of the aorta
• Isolation of the subclavian arteries
• Vascular rings

Symptoms

Symptoms vary according to the affected artery, but may include:

• Neurological changes such as:
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Weakness
• Blood pressure changes
• Breathing problems
• Numbness of an arm
• Reduced pulse
• Transient ischemic attacks

Treatment

Surgery is usually required to treat the underlying cause of aortic arch syndrome.

References

Webb GD, Smallhorn JF, Therrien J, et al. Diseases of the heart, pericardium, and pulmonary vasculature bed. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 61.

See also:

• Disease

  Atherosclerosis

  

  Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens (forms calcium deposits), and may eventually block the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis. The two terms are often used to mean the same thing.

• Disease

  Blood clots

  

  Blood clots are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid. A blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel or within the heart and stays there is called a thrombus. A thrombus that breaks loose and travels from one location in the body to another is called an embolus. The ...

Review date:

June 1, 2010

Reviewed by:

Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Director, Northwestern Clinic Echocardiography Lab, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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