Interrupted aortic arch

Interrupted Aortic Arch is a rare, severe congenital heart defect in which the aorta is not completely developed. There is a gap between the ascending and descending sections of the aorta, which disrupts blood flow to the body. This condition is typically diagnosed within the first few weeks of life and requires immediate surgery to correct.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Interrupted Aortic Arch may include:

• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• Weakness or fatigue
• Poor feeding
• Pale skin
• Rapid heart rate

Causes

Interrupted Aortic Arch is a congenital heart defect, meaning it is present at birth. It occurs when the aorta does not form correctly as the baby develops during pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to genetic factors or environmental influences.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Interrupted Aortic Arch is usually made shortly after birth, often due to the presence of severe symptoms. The diagnosis can be confirmed through various tests, including:

• Echocardiogram
• Chest X-ray
• Cardiac catheterization
• MRI of the heart

Treatment

Treatment for Interrupted Aortic Arch involves surgery to repair the aorta. This is typically done within the first few days of life. The specific surgical procedure used may vary depending on the exact nature of the defect and the overall health of the baby.

Prognosis

With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for babies with Interrupted Aortic Arch can be quite good. However, they will require lifelong follow-up care with a cardiologist to monitor their heart health.

See Also

• Congenital heart defect
• Aorta
• Heart surgery

Interrupted aortic arch Resources
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