Aortic arch syndrome

Subclavian artery occlusive syndrome; Carotid artery occlusion syndrome; Subclavian steal syndrome; Vertebral-basilar artery occlusive syndrome; Takayasu disease; Pulseless disease

Aortic arch syndrome problems can be due to trauma, blood clots, or malformations that develop before birth. These defects result in abnormal blood flow to the head, neck, or arms.

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

• Congenital absence of a branch of the aorta
• Isolation of the subclavian arteries
• Vascular rings

An inflammatory disease called Takayasu syndrome may result in narrowing (stenosis) of the vessels of the aortic arch. This typically occurs in women and girls. This disease is seen more often in people of Asian descent.

Symptoms vary according to the affected artery, but may include:

• Blood pressure changes
• Breathing problems
• Dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, and other brain and nervous system (neurological) changes
• Numbness of an arm
• Reduced pulse
• Transient ischemic attacks

Surgery is most often needed to treat the underlying cause of aortic arch syndrome.