Aetiology
Aortic arch syndrome is caused by an abnormality in the aortic arch, which is the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Abnormalities can include aneurysms, arterial dissection, or coarctation (narrowing) of the aortic arch.
Diagnosis
: Aortic arch syndrome is usually diagnosed with imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, or echocardiograms. These tests will show the structure and size of the aortic arch.
Differential diagnosis
: Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include aortic regurgitation, aortic stenosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
Treatment
: Treatment of aortic arch syndrome depends on the underlying cause of the syndrome. Treatment may include medications to reduce blood pressure, surgical repair of the aortic arch, or a combination of both.
Prognosis
: With proper treatment, the prognosis for aortic arch syndrome is generally good. The outcome depends on the severity of the underlying condition and the patient’s response to treatment. In some cases, the condition may worsen over time, and patients may need to be monitored closely.