Double Aortic Arch—Child
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 2 tubes can circle around and press the airways and the tube that brings food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus).
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Symptoms TOP
A baby may have:
- Problems breathing
- Poor feeding, such as choking
- Trouble swallowing
- Vomiting
Diagnosis TOP
It may be noticed in infancy but it is often found later.
The doctor will ask 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:
- Chest x-ray
- CT angiogram
- MRI angiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Bronchoscopy
Treatment TOP
Surgery can be done to tie off and close one of the extra branches. Symptoms may get better right away or over time.
Children will need lifelong monitoring by a doctor who treats the heart.
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. Cove Point Foundation—Johns Hopkins University website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed November 4, 2020.
Licari A, Manca E, et al. Congenital vascular rings: a clinical challenge for the pediatrician. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015 May;50(5):511-524.
Vascular rings and slings. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/vascular-rings-and-slings. Accessed November 4, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD
Last Updated: 5/7/2021