What is interruption of aortic arch?

An interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart condition that happens when the aorta doesn’t form completely. The aorta is the heart’s main pipeline, carrying oxygen-rich blood to the body. Normally, it’s shaped like an arch or curve. In an interrupted aortic arch, part of the aorta is missing, leaving a gap.

How common is interrupted aortic arch?

The incidence of interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is about 2 cases per 100,000 live births. Nearly all patients with IAA present in the first 2 weeks of life when the ductus arteriosus closes. Most patients present in the first day of life.

How do you treat interrupted aortic arch?

How is interrupted aortic arch treated? IAA is treated with surgery to repair the aorta and restore the correct arch. While the fetus is in the womb, the developing heart has a small blood vessel called a ductus arteriosus. This vessel supplies blood to the pulmonary artery, which carries the blood to the lungs.

What is IAA disease?

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a structural heart defect characterized anatomically by a discontinuity (interruption) along the aortic arch. Depending on the site of discontinuity, IAA is classified into three types (see Fig.

How long can you live with coarctation?

Aortic coarctation is found in approximately 1:3000 newborns and, if left untreated, reduces the life expectancy to 34 years on average [1].

How does the aortic arch work?

The aortic arch is the segment of the aorta that helps distribute blood to the head and upper extremities via the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid, and the left subclavian artery. The aortic arch also plays a role in blood pressure homeostasis via baroreceptors found within the walls of the aortic arch.

How serious is coarctation of the aorta?

Coarctation of the aorta is often considered a critical congenital heart defect (critical CHD) because if the narrowing is severe enough and it is not diagnosed, the baby may have serious problems soon after birth. CCHDs also can be detected with newborn pulse oximetry screening.

Can coarctation of the aorta be cured?

Coarctation of the aorta can be cured with surgery. Symptoms quickly get better after surgery. However, there is an increased risk for death due to heart problems among those who have had their aorta repaired.

Which abnormality is most commonly associated with an interrupted aortic arch?

Patients with interrupted aortic arch (particularly those with type B) often have a chromosomal abnormality called DiGeorge syndrome.

What can happen if the coarctation is not repaired?

If not treated, it can lead to coronary artery disease, kidneys not working well, high blood pressure in the upper body and low blood pressure in the lower body, and even death. COA can be fixed by cardiac catheterization or surgery.

Is coarctation of the aorta serious?

What is the purpose of an aortic arch?

What is an interrupted aortic arch ( IAA )?

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is an uncommon congenital cardiovascular anomaly where there is a separation between the ascending and descending aorta. It can either be complete or connected by a remnant fibrous band. An accompanying large ventricular septal defect (VSD) and/or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is frequently present. Article:

What causes an interrupted aortic arch in a fetus?

Interrupted aortic arch is thought to be a result of faulty development of the aortic arch system during the fifth to seventh week of fetal development. This defect is almost always associated with a large ventricular septal defect (VSD).

What happens when part of the aorta is missing?

An interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart condition that happens when the aorta doesn’t form completely. The aorta is the heart’s main pipeline, carrying oxygen-rich blood to the body. Normally, it’s shaped like an arch or curve. In an interrupted aortic arch, part of the aorta is missing, leaving a gap.

Where does the aortic arch go after leaving the heart?

After it leaves the heart, it first ascends in the chest to give off blood vessels to the arms and head. Then, it turns downward, forming a semicircular arch and heads toward the lower half of the body. Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is the absence or discontinuation of a portion of the aortic arch.