Latent congenital defect: interrupted aortic arch in an adult--case report and literature review

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2010 Jul;44(5):402-6. doi: 10.1177/1538574410369566. Epub 2010 May 18.

Abstract

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is rare congenital cardiac defect defined as a complete loss of luminal and anatomical continuity between ascending and descending segments of the aorta. Usually it is detected in the perinatal period or during the first hours or days of infancy. If not treated surgically, it usually is lethal. Nevertheless, diagnosis can be made in adults but is a very rare entity. Extremely few cases in adults are reported in the pertinent medical literature. We present an asymptomatic 62-year-old patient who was found to have IAA after examination for hypertension. The patient underwent a successful anatomical repair, with an uneventful postoperative course, and follow-up examinations reveal regression of hypertension and excellent health condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aorta, Thoracic / abnormalities*
  • Aorta, Thoracic / diagnostic imaging
  • Aorta, Thoracic / physiopathology
  • Aorta, Thoracic / surgery
  • Aortography / methods
  • Blood Pressure
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / physiopathology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Hypertension / etiology*
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Incidental Findings
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Thoracotomy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents