Interrupted aortic arch is a defect that results when the aorta does not develop properly. With this condition, oxygen-rich
blood from the left side of the heart can’t reach all areas of the body because of the defective aorta. The heart manages
to get enough blood to the body by way of the ductus arteriosus, which has stayed open after birth. It usually occurs with
a large atrial or ventricular septal defect.
| Interrupted Aortic Arch |
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| This condition involves an aorta that has not developed properly. The aorta is interrupted, and oxygenated blood can't reach
all parts of the body. A patent ductus arteriosus allows some additional, though poorly oxygenated, blood to reach areas of
the body the oxygenated blood can't get to.
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What are the symptoms of interrupted aortic arch?
A child with this condition will develop symptoms as the ductus arteriosus begins to close, and will require surgery during
the first few days of life. Symptoms include: weakness, poor feeding, fatigue, shortness of breath and laboured breathing,
fast heart rate, and low oxygen levels. The ASD also causes blood to flow from the left side of the heart to the right side,
which causes congestive heart failure.
How is interrupted aortic arch diagnosed and treated?
An electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram will be done to diagnose this defect. Initially a drug like prostaglandin will
be given to keep the ductus arteriosus open to improve blood flow. Open heart surgery within the first few days of life will
be done to correct the defect. This will involve connecting the two separate pieces of the aorta, closing the PDA, and closing
the ASD or VSD.
What is the long-term outlook for children with interrupted aortic arch?
Complete repair of the defect results in about a 90% survival rate for children with interrupted aortic arch.
