Interrupted aortic arch diagnosis by computed tomography angiography and 3-D reconstruction: A case report

Abstract

Interrupted aortic arch is an extremely rare congenital malformation representing about 1% of congenital heart disease. Early symptoms usually occur early in the neonatal period and clinical deterioration is often rapid and long-term prognosis is limited. Nonetheless, this condition has been identified later in adult life in rare cases. We report a case in an adult male with absence of hypertension history and no further cardiac compromise, with a severe posterior chest pain alongside dyspnea and sweating. Computed tomography angiography revealed interrupted aortic arch type A, bivalve aorta, hemopericardium, aortic dissection Stanford A, and important collateral circulation.

Keywords: Computed tomography angiography; Diagnostic imaging; Interrupted aortic arch.

Fig. 1

(A and B) Interrupted aortic arch type A: 3D reconstruction.

Fig. 2

Region of interest on the hemopericardium.

Fig. 3

Modified 3-chamber thick slab maximum intensity projection showing the origin of the dissection flap immediately above to the origin of the right coronary artery without compromising it (arrow) and hemopericardium.

Fig. 4

Projection of maximum intensity in the multidetector technique computed tomography showing type A interruption of aortic arch and aortic dissection comprising the ascending aorta.

Fig. 5

3D Reconstruction of the computed tomography showing important collateral circulation.