Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Services at Maryland General

A complete list of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at MGH.

Aortic arch syndrome - Overview

Alternative Names

Subclavian artery occlusive syndrome; Carotid artery occlusion syndrome; Subclavian steal syndrome; Vertebral-basilar artery occlusive syndrome

Definition of Aortic arch syndrome:

Aortic arch syndrome refers to a group of signs and symptoms associated with structural problems in the arteries that branch off the aortic arch. The aortic arch is the top part of the main artery carrying blood away from the heart.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Aortic arch syndrome problems are most often associated with trauma, blood clots, or malformations that develop before birth. The arteries' defects result in abnormal blood flow to the head, neck, or arms.

In children, there are multiple types of aortic arch syndromes, including:

  • Congenital absence of a branch of the aorta
  • Isolation of the subclavian arteries
  • Vascular rings
  • Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
  • Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Diseases of the Heart, Pericardium, and Pulmonary Vasculature Bed. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007: Chap. 61.
     
Physician Directory

Physician Specialties

Medical Glossary

Guide for Patients

Guide for Visitors

    
About Us     ·     Contact Us     ·     Phone Listing     ·     Residency Programs     ·     Site Map     ·     Site Search     ·     Links     ·     FAQs

© 2008 Maryland General Hospital, All Rights Reserved   ·   827 Linden Avenue,   Baltimore, MD 21201   ·   410-225-8000
Commitment to Compliance   ·   Privacy Policy   ·   Terms and Conditions of Use   ·   Disclaimer   ·   JCAHO Public Notice