CT Angiography for Aortic Arch Anomalies: Prevalence, Diagnostic Efficacy, and Illustrative Findings

Abstract

Aortic arch anomalies encompass a diverse spectrum of conditions. Elucidating the prevalence of these anomalies, their impact on patient wellbeing, and the most effective diagnostic tools are crucial steps in ensuring optimal patient care. This paper aims to explore the various presentations of aortic arch anomalies, emphasizing the remarkable utility of computed tomography (CT) angiography in their definitive diagnosis and characterization. We conducted a retrospective study on patients who were submitted to the CT angiography of the thoracic aorta or supra-aortic trunks, or the contrast-enhanced CT scans of the thorax and/or cervical region between January 2021 and February 2024 in our Hospital. Out of the total of 2350 patients, 18 were diagnosed with aortic arch anomalies, with an average age of approximately 55 years. The aortic arch anomalies identified in the study were as follows: left aortic arch with the aberrant origin of the right subclavian artery, right aortic arch (types I and II), double aortic arch, aortic coarctation, aortic pseudocoarctation, and ductus diverticulum. Although often asymptomatic, aortic arch anomalies require recognition and CT using advanced post-processing techniques is the optimal diagnostic method with the ability to also identify other associated cardiac or vascular malformations.

Keywords

• aortic arch anomalies
• right aortic arch
• coarctation of aorta
• pseudocoarctation
• ductus diverticulum
• aberrant subclavian artery