OBJECTIVES: Non-recognition of a critical aortic arch branch variation at surgery, with fatal consequences, prompted a retrospective analysis of the prevalence of aortic arch branch variations in the South African population. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty aortic arch angiograms were analysed from existing records (January 1988--March 1998) of the vascular unit, Department of Surgery, University of Natal. RESULTS: Aortic arch branch variations were observed in 17 cases (5.3%). These variations were as follows: (i) 11 cases with two primary branches (3.4%); (ii) 1 case with three primary branches (0.3%); and (iii) 5 cases with four primary branches (1.6%). CONCLUSION: The clinical presentations which these variations give rise to are well known and may present during the first days of life or later in adulthood, or remain clinically silent. Non-recognition of the latter situation in the presence of vascular trauma may have fatal consequences.
OBJECTIVES: Non-recognition of a critical aortic arch branch variation at surgery, with fatal consequences, prompted a retrospective analysis of the prevalence of aortic arch branch variations in the South African population. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty aortic arch angiograms were analysed from existing records (January 1988--March 1998) of the vascular unit, Department of Surgery, University of Natal. RESULTS:Aortic arch branch variations were observed in 17 cases (5.3%). These variations were as follows: (i) 11 cases with two primary branches (3.4%); (ii) 1 case with three primary branches (0.3%); and (iii) 5 cases with four primary branches (1.6%). CONCLUSION: The clinical presentations which these variations give rise to are well known and may present during the first days of life or later in adulthood, or remain clinically silent. Non-recognition of the latter situation in the presence of vascular trauma may have fatal consequences.
Authors: Aisling M O'Malley; Walid H El Kininy; Helina Debebe; Azreena B Burukan; Shane W Davy Journal: Ir J Med Sci Date: 2017-12-29 Impact factor: 1.568