Definition
Definition
An interrupted aortic arch is a rare heart defect. The aortic arch is part of the major blood vessel that helps move blood from the heart to the rest of the body. With this defect, the aortic arch is interrupted or incomplete. Blood cannot flow through it normally. This makes blood flow to the body less efficient. Children with this defect may also have a hole in the wall between the right and left chambers in the heart.
Heart Chambers and ValvesCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Blood Flow Through the HeartCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Causes
Causes
An interrupted aortic arch is present at birth. A direct cause is not known. The defect develops in the fifth to seventh week of fetal growth.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
There is an increased risk for this condition if your child also has DiGeorge syndrome. This is a chromosomal abnormality.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear within the first day or two after birth. Many times, the baby will show symptoms soon after birth. Tell your doctor if you notice the following in your infant or child:
- Weakness
- Poor feeding
- Rapid breathing
- Pale, blue, or cool skin
- Decreased urine output
This condition can lead to shock and heart failure. Your child will need emergency care.
During the exam, the doctor may detect:
- Fast heart rate
- Weak pulse
- Low oxygen levels
These symptoms may be due to other conditions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Images may be taken of your child’s chest. This can be done with:
Your child’s heart activity may be measured. This can be done with electrocardiogram (EKG).
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include:
Medications
Certain medications will usually
be given to keep some blood flowing through another blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. This allows some blood to get around the interruption in the aorta. This is a temporary treatment.
Medications may also:
- Help the heart beat stronger
- Get rid of extra fluid in the body
Surgery
Surgery is needed to correct the defect. Surgery aims to form a connection between the two parts of the aortic arch. The hole in the heart between the ventricles is also closed. The ductus arteriosus is then closed.
Lifelong Monitoring
Your child will need to see a heart specialist regularly.
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent interrupted aortic arch because the cause is unknown. Getting appropriate prenatal care is always important.
RESOURCES:
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.ca
References:
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/i/iaa
Updated November 2012. Accessed July 17, 2013.
Interrupted aortic arch. Johns Hopkins Children’s Center website. Available at:
http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Interrupted-Aortic-Arch.aspx
Updated May 16, 2011. Accessed July 17, 2013.
Last Updated: 5/11/2013