Congenital Anomalies of Aortic Arch: CT Angiography

ABSTRACT

Aortic arch anomalies result from the failure of an embryonic vascular structure to persist and regress in the usual manner during formation of the aortic arch. The anomalous aortic arch may encircle and compress the trachea and esophagus as a form of a vascular ring. The diagnosis of aortic arch anomaly and the recognition of airway compression are important because they are conditions which complicate the natural and surgical course of related diseases. CT can demonstrate the nature of anatomic structures such as the trachea and esophagus not revealed by angiography, simultaneously disclosing the relationship of stenotic airways and offending mediastinal vessels. Volumetric data acquisition by means of spiral CT enables three dimensional reconstruction,which can provide easy global understanding of the complex anatomy and spatial relationship of airway and cardiovascular structures. Three dimensional imaging is very useful for the physician and surgeon who are not accustomed to mentally reconstructing axial images, and can facilitate surgical planning.