Rings, slings and such things: diagnosis and management with special emphasis on the role of echocardiography.

Vascular anomalies of the aorta and pulmonary artery that cause tracheal, esophageal, or tracheoesophageal compression form an important group of congenital cardiovascular malformations. The diagnostic approach to the patient with possible vascular ring is variable. This article presents a systematic approach to the evaluation and management of this fascinating group of malformations, with special emphasis on the role and limitations of echocardiography. Using this approach between September 1990 and March 1992, we identified and defined vascular anomalies of aorta and pulmonary artery in eight children.