Aims and objectives
Aortic arch variants result from errors in the embryologic development of the branchial arches.
Typically there are three main branches in the aortic arch: brachiocephalic trunk(BT),
left common carotid artery(LCCA) and left subclavian artery(LSA).
According to the literature this configuration is present in approximately 70-90% of people.[1-2]
In recent years there have been performed many studies evaluating aortic arch variants depicted on multidetector computed tomography(MDCT).[1-3]
However these studies included adult population only or adult and smaller pediatric population together.
MDCT offers excellent temporal and spatial...
Methods and materials
We reviewed MDCT thoracic studies performed for different indications in our university hospital over the 4 year period.
All data was collected using the hospital radiology information system.
The period assessed was from 01.01.2011 to 31.12.2014.
In 2015 we moved to a completely new facility.
Because of low volume of patients during that time,
it was decided to include patients till the end of 2014.
Search terms were as followed: “chest CT”,
“angio CT”,
“thorax CT”.
Only contrast enhanced examinations were included.
All image data...
Results
The typical branching pattern of the aortic arch was found in 339 patients(66,3%).
The most common variant was the common origin of the BT and LCCA,
seen in 65 patients(12,7%).This variant is usually termed “bovine aortic arch” which is one of the most often used misnomers in the medical field.[6] A true bovine arch does not resemble aortic arch encountered in human.
In cattle,
there is a single vessel,
brachiocephalic trunk,
originating from the aortic arch.[7]
The second most common variant was the left vertebral...
Conclusion
The typical branching pattern of the aortic arch was found in 339 patients(66,3%).
The most common variant was a common origin of the brachiocephalic and left common carotid artery,
seen in 65 patients(12,7%),
followed by the left vertebral artery arising directly from the aortic arch in 37 patients(7,2%).
According to some authors incidence of another aortic arch variants than the abovementioned is very low.[3][9]
The higher incidence of aortic arch anomalies in our study is presumably due to selection bias.
126 patients were referred from...
References
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