Aortic arches defect

Overview

A defect in the top part of the aorta (aortic arch) that consists of several arterial branches. There is a variety of defects that can occur and symptoms will be determined by the particular defect involved. Possible types of defects includes aortic coarctation and aortic arch hypoplasia.

Symptoms

• Neurological changes
• Blood pressure changes
• Blood clots
• Reduced heart rate
• Cyanosis
• Reduced blood oxygenation
• Fatigue
• Congestive heart failure
• Rapid breathing
• Weakness
• Poor feeding
• Reduced urine output
• Weak pulse in extremities
• Pallor

Causes

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.