Unit:
ΠΜΣ Χειρουργική ΑνατομίαLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Author:
Karpouzos Athanasios
Supervisors info:
Π.Σκανδαλάκης, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Α.Μαζαράκης, Αν. Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Μ.Πιάγκου, Επ. Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Ανατομικές παραλλαγές του αορτικού τόξου και των κλάδων αυτού
Translated title:
Anatomical variations of the aortic arch and its branches
Summary:
From the study of our cases (8 cases in 5 males and 3 females):
- 2 cases of ectopic right subclavian artery with a retroesophageal course (ARSCA)
- 2 cases in which the left vertebral artery (LVA) originated from the aortic arch
- 3 cases of common stem of the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) with the left common carotid artery (LCCA)
- 1 case of a left-sided brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) with a characteristic elongation and a high position relative to the trachea
and after a detailed literature review it is concluded that the embryological interpretation of the aortic arch anatomical variants and its branching pattern can be regarded as almost fully studied. Most of these variants are of an anatomical and embryological interest and others, especially the cases in which a vascular ring is created around the trachea and esophagus, are of clinical and surgical interest. Given the relatively high frequency (approximately 15%) of these variants, they should be taken into account:
a) In the surgery of neck and the upper part of the mediastinum
b) In symptomatic patients, the aortic arch should be angiographically investigated, as well as the esophagus and trachea after the injection of contrast agents. Clinician should consider the possibility of a surgical manipulation taking into account the existed symptomatology and radiographical evidence.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Anatomical variations, Aortic arch, Aortic branches
