Interrupted aortic arch
| Interrupted aortic arch | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Cardiology  |
Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect in which the aorta is not completely developed. There is a gap between the ascending and descending thoracic aorta. Almost all patients also have other cardiac anomalies.
Diagnosis
It can be diagnosed with an echocardiogram.
Treatment
Treatment consists of open heart surgery soon after birth. Awaiting surgery, prostaglandin can be administered to keep the ductus arteriosus open, thereby allowing blood flow to the lower body.
External links
- C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Congenital Heart Center: Interrupted Aortic Arch at umich.edu
- Heart center encyclopedia at cincinnatichildrens.orgcincinnatichildrens.org
- Cove Point Foundation - Congenital Heart Disease Education Website
- Congenital Heart Disease Educational Software
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