Prenatal Sonographic Features of a Double Aortic Arch: Literature Review and Perinatal Management

Postnatal Outcomes in Prenatally Detected Vascular Rings

Vascular rings are rare congenital defects that can cause tracheal and/or esophageal compression. Prenatal detection is increasing due to advances in screening and fetal echocardiography. Postnatal outcomes remain variable. We describe our single-center experience of postnatal outcomes in prenatally detected vascular rings and evaluate factors associated with surgery. We performed a retrospective review of all fetal diagnoses of possible vascular ring evaluated between 2016 and 2023. Patients with significant intracardiac abnormalities, without postnatal data, or without confirmed postnatal diagnosis were excluded from postnatal analysis. Outcome variables included symptoms, tracheal/esophageal compression, and surgical repair. The prenatal cohort included 109 patients with 80% right aortic arch (RAA) and 20% double aortic arch (DAA). Of 72 patients in the postnatal cohort, 85% underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) at median age of 2 months with 0.84 ± 0.34 mSv of radiation. On CTA, 69% had a diverticulum. Of those with RAA, 95% had an aberrant left subclavian. Most (79%) had airway abnormalities on CTA. Fifteen (21%) developed symptoms at median age of 5 months. Fifty-eight percent  of patients underwent surgery at median age of 10 months, of which 33% were due to symptoms. On univariate analysis, DAA was associated with airway abnormalities on CTA and surgical repair. At 30-month follow up, 99% of patients remained asymptomatic. Prenatal diagnosis of vascular rings is associated with high rates of airway abnormalities, even in those without symptoms. Surgical repair was pursued in asymptomatic patients with DAA and airway abnormalities in our institution. As DAA is associated with airway abnormalities, these patients may require closer monitoring for future symptom development.

Extremely preterm infant with double aortic arch presenting with severe tracheal obstruction and devastating esophageal hemorrhage

Background: Double aortic arch is the most constrictive type of vascular ring, completely encircling the trachea and esophagus, and can cause severe respiratory failure, dysphagia, or devastating esophageal hemorrhage. Although surgical repair is usually recommended shortly after diagnosis, surgery in extremely preterm infants presents significant challenges. The optimal timing of surgery and the management of complications that arise while awaiting surgery are not well understood.Case presentation: We report the case of an Asian female infant weighing 509 g at 24 + 5 weeks of gestation with a double aortic arch. Initially managed conservatively to allow for growth, the patient developed progressive tracheal granulation and recurrent, life-threatening esophageal hemorrhage. Gastrostomy and division of the vascular ring were successfully performed on days 65 and 66 (postmenstrual age 33 weeks; weight 1126 g), and tracheal granulation was managed conservatively. Despite mild respiratory symptoms persisting, the patient survived until discharge without any recurrence of esophageal bleeding.Conclusion: The management of double aortic arch in extremely preterm infants is particularly challenging. In this case, surgical repair was successfully performed at a weight of 1126 g without lethal postoperative complications. Early gastrostomy before the surgical repair of the double aortic arch may be advantageous in preventing devastating esophageal hemorrhage, especially in patients with severe tracheal narrowing indicative of a tight vascular ring and significant esophageal compression.

Combined fetal echocardiographic views improved prenatal differential diagnosis between right aortic arch and double aortic arch: a multicenter research

PURPOSE

Congenital right aortic arch (RAA) and double aortic arch (DAA) were difficult to be diagnosed by traditional fetal echography. However, these two diseases have distinct clinical therapies and long-term outcomes which makes the differential diagnosis of great importance. While fetal screening by traditional fetal echography provides limited information about the branches of the aortic arch. This study aimed to discover and evaluate a novel combination of different echocardiography views in the diagnosis and differentiation of RAA and DAA.

METHODS

From January 2014 to December 2022, a total of 414,686 pregnant women underwent routine ultrasound examinations of the fetus during the second trimester. The scan of the fetal heart included a fetal four-chamber view, The left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) view, a right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) view, a three-vessel (3 V) view, and three vessels and trachea (3VT) view. Then the cases diagnosed as RAA or DAA by initial ultrasound screening from two hospitals were divided into the RAA group and the DAA group. Then enter the prenatal diagnosis consultation. All the pregnant women were offered invasive prenatal diagnosis. Genetic tests were fully discussed and decided after genetic counseling. Further ultrasound examination by two more experienced sonographers, in addition to the fetal echocardiogram views, includes further multi-angle scanning of the aortic arch branches with color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) or high definition flow imaging (HDFI) for further diagnosis, and the reasons for misdiagnosis were analyzed and summarized.

RESULTS

A total of 332 cases were diagnosed with RAA or DAA by initial ultrasound, including RAA group 244 cases and DAA group 88 cases. In the RAA group, the mirror RAA (MRAA) could not be completely diagnosed by 3VT view alone in traditional echocardiography, with accuracy and sensitivity of 88.9% and 72.6%, respectively. In the DAA group, 36 cases were misdiagnosed only by 3VT view alone in traditional echocardiography, with the accuracy and specificity of 88.9% and 86.8%, respectively. However, the accuracy for MRAA or DAA could reach 100% when combined with 3VT and multi-angle scanning of the aortic arch branches. The abnormal detection rate of genetic tests was 10.5% (20/190), excluding the cases who refused the invasive prenatal diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Combining 3VT and multi-angle scanning of the aortic arch branches With CDFI or HDFI could effectively distinguish RAA variants from DAA. The invasive prenatal diagnosis should be recommended for patients with RAA or DAA, and the accurate prenatal diagnosis was highly valuable in providing appropriate perinatal counseling and prognostic evaluation.

Prenatal aortic arch development in double aortic arch: Understanding postnatal closure of left aortic arch: A case report

Double aortic arch (DAA) is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by a vascular ring that often requires surgical intervention due to respiratory complications. The DAA and right aortic arch with mirror-image branches (RAA-MB) represent abnormalities in development of the aortic arch. However, prognosis differs significantly, as the DAA forms vascular rings, whereas the RAA-MB typically does not. Distinguishing between the conditions becomes particularly challenging in cases of DAA with closure of the posterior portion of the left aortic arch (LAA) because the postnatal manifestations closely resemble those of RAA-MB. Herein, we present a case of DAA in which longitudinal observation of the LAA and RAA diameters during pregnancy aimed in predicting postnatal closure of the LAA. A 37-year-old female with suspected DAA was referred to our hospital at 26 weeks of gestation. Initial measurements revealed comparable diameters for the LAA and RAA; however, the LAA diameter decreased to approximately half that of the RAA by term owing to growth restrictions. Postnatal contrast computed tomography confirmed the closure of the posterior portion of the LAA and RAA with Kommerell diverticulum. Our findings suggest that careful monitoring of DAA throughout fetal development, especially during the third trimester, may aid in predicting atretic changes in the nondominant arch after birth, allowing an easy distinction between the DAA and RAA-MB after birth.

Long-Term Outcome of Surgically Repaired and Non-repaired Double Aortic Arch in Children

Introduction A double aortic arch (DAA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly that encircles the trachea and esophagus, resulting in compression of both structures and causing variable symptoms of wheezing, stridor, increased work of breathing, or dysphagia. DAA usually presents in infancy but can be incidentally found later in life. The standard management of DAA is surgical repair. However, observation and follow-up have been recommended in asymptomatic or mild cases. The long-term outcome of surgical repair versus observation is not well-reported. We described the long-term clinical outcome of patients with DAA who were surgically repaired versus non-repaired at our institution.  Methods Electronic medical records were searched for the patients diagnosed with DAA before the age of 18 years. Data from clinical, radiological, and bronchoscopic findings, pulmonary function test (PFT), and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) were extracted. A structured phone questionnaire of patients' parents regarding past and current symptoms was also conducted. Results A total of 12 patients (eight males four females) with DAA were identified. Median age was 8.5 (1.5-17) years. The age at diagnosis was 60 (1-192) months. Post diagnosis follow-up period was 20 (2-156) months. Five patients were surgically repaired, and seven patients were not repaired. The median age of surgery was five (1-15) years in repaired patients. The phone questionnaire was completed in only 10 patients (five repaired and five non-repaired). Respiratory symptoms in infancy were reported in all repaired and non-repaired patients and were resolved in all five repaired patients and in four of the five non-repaired patients. One non-repaired patient complained of intermittent dyspnea on exertion. Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in infancy in three repaired and three non-repaired patients and were improved in two repaired and one non-repaired patient. PFT was performed in five patients (one repaired, four non-repaired) and showed normal forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC in all patients. Low peak expiratory flow (PEF) was seen in the repaired patient and in three of the non-repaired patients. CPET was conducted in four non-repaired patients and showed maximal oxygen consumption (VO2-max) of 66% predicted (58-88), maximal ventilation (VE-max) of 75% predicted (70-104), and ventilatory reserve of 55% predicted (48-104).  Conclusion Long-term clinical outcome is favorable in both repaired and non-repaired patients with DAA even though both groups reported respiratory symptoms during infancy. Therefore, clinical observation is a legitimate option in certain DAA patients.

Associated Anomalies and Outcome in Patients with Prenatal Diagnosis of Aortic Arch Anomalies as Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery, Right Aortic Arch and Double Aortic Arch

We aimed to evaluate retrospectively associated anomalies and outcome in prenatal aortic arch anomalies (AAAs). We included ninety patients with aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), right aortic arch (RAA) with mirror image branching (RAA-mirror) or aberrant left subclavian artery (RAA-ALSA) and double aortic arch (DAA) between 2011 and 2020. In total, 19/90 (21.1%) had chromosomal anomalies, the highest rate being within the ARSA subgroup (17/46, 37%). All (13/13) of the RAA-mirror subgroup, 10/27 (37.0%) of RAA-ALSA, 13/46 (28.3%) of ARSA and 0/4 within the DAA subgroup had additional intracardiac anomaly. The rate of extracardiac anomalies was 30.7% in RAA-mirror, 28.3% in ARSA, 25.0% in DAA and 22.2% in the RAA-ALSA subgroup. A total of 42/90 (46.7%) had isolated AAAs: three (7.1%) with chromosomal anomalies, all trisomy 21 (3/26, 11.5%) within the ARSA subgroup. Out of 90, 19 (21.1%) were lost to follow-up (FU). Two (2.2%) intrauterine deaths occurred, and six (6.7%) with chromosomal anomalies terminated their pregnancy. In total, 63 (70.0%) were liveborn, 3/63 (4.8%) with severe comorbidity had compassionate care and 3/60 (5.0%) were lost to FU. The survival rate in the intention-to-treat cohort was 53/57 (93%). Forty-one (77.4%) presented with vascular ring/sling, two (4.9%) with RAA-ALSA developed symptoms and one (2.4%) needed an operation. We conclude that intervention due to vascular ring is rarely necessary. NIPT could be useful in isolated ARSA cases without higher a priori risk for trisomy 21 and after exclusion of other anomalies.

Utility of the Angle between the Right Aortic Arch and First Branch for Detecting Double Aortic Arch via Fetal Echocardiography

INTRODUCTION

The presence of a double aortic arch (DAA) is manifested by compressive symptoms, requiring surgery. DAA cases are classified as either complete or incomplete type. DAA and a right aortic arch with mirror image branching (mRAA) have a similar configuration to the first branch artery. The first branch of the mRAA is the left brachiocephalic artery, which appears to be the same as that of an incomplete DAA due to blood flow interruption. The present retrospective study aimed to evaluate the differences between DAA and mRAA by fetal echocardiography.

METHODS

This single retrospective cohort study included all patients diagnosed with complete DAA, incomplete DAA, or mRAA at our facility between 2010 and 2022. The patients were diagnosed with complete DAA, incomplete DAA, or mRAA after birth and remaining fetal echocardiograms. The patients were divided into the DAA (complete DAA: n = 4, incomplete DAA: n = 3) and mRAA (n = 4) groups. The following three outcomes were compared: (1) angle between the right aortic arch and first branch (RF angle), (2) ratio of height to width of the region bounded by the aortic arch, first branch of the aortic arch, and descending aorta, and (3) maximum tracheal diameter on a three-vessel trachea view.

RESULTS

The incomplete DAA cases were difficult to diagnose via fetal echocardiography. On fetal echocardiography, the RF angle was significantly steeper in the DAA group than in the mRAA group (median 57° [36°-69°] vs. 75° [62°-94°]; p < 0.05). The DAA and RAA groups showed no significant differences in the ratio of height to width of the region bounded by the aortic arch, first branch of the aortic arch, and descending aorta (median 0.57 [0.17-0.68] vs. 0.73 [0.56-1.0]) and maximum tracheal diameter (median 2.5 [1.4-3.3] vs. 3.2 [2.8-3.5] mm). The cut-off value for the presence of DAA was an RF angle <71°.

CONCLUSION

The DAA group (complete and incomplete DAA) had a significantly steeper RF angle than the mRAA group. Therefore, RF angle measurement could improve the fetal diagnosis and postnatal prognosis of DAA.

Double aortic arch: implications of antenatal diagnosis, differential growth of arches during pregnancy, associated abnormalities and postnatal outcome

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prenatal characteristics of double aortic arch (DAA), assess the relative size of the arches and their growth during pregnancy, describe associated cardiac, extracardiac and chromosomal/genetic abnormalities and review postnatal presentation and clinical outcome.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of all fetuses with a confirmed diagnosis of DAA seen in five specialized referral centers in London, UK, between October 2012 and November 2019. Cases were identified from the hospitals' fetal databases. Fetal echocardiographic findings, intracardiac and extracardiac abnormalities, genetic defects, computed tomography (CT) findings and postnatal clinical presentation and outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 79 fetuses with DAA were included. Of those assessed postnatally, 48.6% had an atretic left aortic arch (LAA), while 5.1% had an atretic LAA at the first fetal scan and were misdiagnosed antenatally with right aortic arch (RAA). The LAA was atretic in 55.8% of those who underwent CT. DAA was an isolated abnormality in 91.1% of cases; 8.9% of patients had an additional intracardiac abnormality and 2.5% had both intra- and extracardiac abnormalities. Among the 52 cases that underwent genetic testing, 11.5% had genetic abnormalities and, specifically, the 22q11 microdeletion was identified in 3.8% of patients. At a median follow-up of 993.5 days, 42.5% of patients had developed symptoms of tracheoesophageal compression (5.5% during the first month after birth) and 56.2% had undergone intervention. Statistical analysis using the χ-square test showed no significant relationship between morphology of DAA (patency of both aortic arches vs atretic LAA) and the need for intervention (P = 0.134), development of vascular ring symptoms (P = 0.350) or evidence of airway compression on CT (P = 0.193).

CONCLUSIONS

Most cases of DAA can be diagnosed easily at midgestation, as typically both arches are patent with a dominant RAA at this stage. However, we found that the LAA had become atretic in approximately half of the cases postnatally, supporting the theory of differential growth of the arches during pregnancy. DAA is usually an isolated abnormality; however, thorough assessment is required to exclude associated intra- and extracardiac anomalies and to determine the need for invasive prenatal genetic testing. Postnatally, early clinical assessment is needed and CT scan should be considered, irrespective of the presence of symptoms. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Double Aortic Arch in an Asymptomatic Adult

We present a rare double aortic arch (DAA) diagnosis incidentally on CT in a 60-year-old male who presented with pneumonia. DAA is a vascular ring that typically manifests in infants or children due to compression of the esophagus or trachea, resulting in dysphagia or dyspnea. Diagnosis of DAA in adulthood is usually due to the delayed emergence of obstructive symptoms. We present a case of DAA in an adult patient without dysphagia or dyspnea. We discuss factors that can lead to the presentation of DAA in adults. These include an absence of associated congenital disabilities, insufficient tracheal or esophageal constriction in childhood and the onset of compressive symptoms later in life from decreased vascular compliance.

Prenatal diagnosis of double aortic arch with subaortic left brachiocephalic vein and right-side ductus arteriosus using high-definition flow render mode and spatiotemporal image correlation

Double aortic arch (DAA) with subaortic left brachiocephalic vein (LBCV) and right-side ductus arteriosus (RDA) was not reported before delivery, only in adults with anatomy course findings. We present a case of fetal DAA with subaortic LBCV and RDA using high-definition (HD) flow render mode and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC).

Evaluation of the trachea in fetuses with double aortic arch using prenatal ultrasound: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Double aortic arch is the most common form of complete vascular ring. The trachea and/or esophagus could be compressed by the complete vascular ring, which may lead to early respiratory and/or esophageal symptoms in children with double aortic arch. Accurate prenatal assessment of tracheal compression could provide relevant information for perinatal clinical management of double aortic arch and emergency treatment of infants with double aortic arch. The fetal trachea is filled with amniotic fluid and can be clearly visualized with prenatal ultrasound. Previous studies reported the use of prenatal ultrasound to measure the tracheal internal diameters in normal fetuses and showed a linear correlation between the fetal tracheal internal diameters and gestational age. However, to the best of our knowledge, few studies have quantitatively evaluated tracheal compression in fetuses with double aortic arch using ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the tracheal compression caused by the vascular ring in fetuses with double aortic arch using prenatal ultrasound and to analyze the relationship between tracheal compression and postnatal clinical symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

The data of fetuses with double aortic arch diagnosed with prenatal ultrasound at 2 institutions from January 2011 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Singleton pregnancies with normal fetuses as the control group were prospectively recruited. The tracheal compression-evaluated by comparing the tracheal internal diameter z scores against the gestational age-was assessed in fetuses with double aortic arch and in normal fetuses. The live-born infants with double aortic arch were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups for the comparison of z scores. The receiver operating characteristic curve for the tracheal internal diameter z score cutoffs and prediction of symptomatic infants with double aortic arch was plotted. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 26 fetuses with double aortic arch were diagnosed, and 14 fetuses (53.8%) with double aortic arch were delivered alive. Among the 14 live-born infants, 7 (50.0%) were symptomatic, whereas 7 (50.0%) were asymptomatic. The tracheal internal diameter z scores were significantly lower in the double aortic arch group than in the normal groups (-0.62±1.36 vs 0.00±0.78; P<.001). The tracheal internal diameter z scores were significantly lower in the symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic group (-1.42±0.92 vs -0.49±0.96; P=.018). The area under the curve was 0.878 (95% confidence interval, 0.689-1.000). Using a tracheal internal diameter z scores cutoff of -1.21, the sensitivity was 71%, and the specificity was close to 100%. The intraclass correlation coefficients of interobserver and intraobserver agreements were 0.987 (95% confidence interval, 0.980-0.992) and 0.975 (95% confidence interval, 0.955-0.987), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The clinical symptoms in infants with double aortic arch were associated with prenatal tracheal compression, which can be prenatally evaluated using ultrasound. If fetuses are diagnosed with double aortic arch, prenatal surveillance of the tracheal internal diameters and comparison with z score reference ranges could provide pertinent information that would aid perinatal clinical management.

Congenital Aortic Vascular Ring: In-Utero Sonographic Assessment of Tracheal Patency and Postnatal Outcome

OBJECTIVE

 Congenital aortic vascular ring may present after birth with variable degrees of respiratory distress due to tracheal compression. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate in utero tracheal patency in correlation with postnatal outcome.

METHODS

 During an eight-year period, fetuses with aortic arch abnormality encircling the trachea and forming a complete ring were recruited for the study. Tracheal patency was classified as: no compression, partial compression, or complete compression. Postnatal MRI/CTangio studies were performed and outcome data was retrospectively analyzed from the medical records.

RESULTS

 Among the 46 fetuses recruited to the study, 38 had right aortic arch (RAA), and 8 presented with double aortic arch (DAA). In the RAA group 35 (92.1 %) of the fetuses presented no compression and 34 (97.1 %) of them were asymptomatic in the long-term follow-up. Three fetuses (7.9 %) in this group presented in utero compression: one was terminated at 16 weeks of gestation due to associated ominous findings, and the other two had mild respiratory symptoms around 12 months of age and underwent surgery with a good outcome. In the DAA group, all fetuses presented in utero with tracheal compression. Seven showed partial and one complete compression. Among the seven with partial compression, six were symptomatic and underwent surgery. The case with severe airway occlusion had emergency tube insertion in the delivery room and underwent surgery at 7 days but died from severe respiratory complications.

CONCLUSION

 This is the first study to evaluate in utero tracheal patency in cases with vascular ring. It allows better prenatal and postnatal workup and follow-up including potentially life-threatening respiratory failure.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Double Aortic Arch: Associated Findings and Postnatal Clinical Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to share our experience in the prenatal diagnosis and characteristics of double aortic arc and neonatal consequences.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 2153 fetal echocardiography reports between 2014 and 2019 years. Records of 14 fetuses with double aortic arc were examined. Prenatal and postnatal medical records, sonographic images, genetic reports, associated cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, and neonatal clinical results of affected fetuses were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

DAA was isolated in 9 of 14 (64.2%) cases, while the other five cases had cardiac or extracardiac accompanying ultrasound findings. Three of cases (21.4%) were associated with other heart pathologies, including ventricular septal defect, double outlet right ventricle, and persistent left superior vena cava. In 10 cases (71.43%), the right aortic arch diameter was dominant. The left aortic arc was dominant in two cases and both arcs were symmetrical in the remaining two cases. 22q11 microdeletion was the only chromosomal abnormality and was detected in two of nine patients who accepted genetic analysis. Intrauterine fetal death occurred in two of the cases. After birth, in 58.3% (7/12) of the live born cases various degrees of symptoms. Surgical repair was performed with the division of the aorta to all symptomatic cases at different times according to severity of the complaints.

CONCLUSIONS

Since it can cause severe respiratory distress in the postnatal period and may accompany chromosomal anomalies, it is important to provide antenatal diagnosis of double aortic arc and adequate counseling to the family.

Double aortic arch: a rare cause of stridor in infants

Double aortic arch is the most common vascular ring anomaly. It usually presents with symptoms related to tracheal and oesophageal compression. The constricting vascular ring may lead to stridor in infants and young children, which could be mistaken for upper respiratory tract infections or foreign body aspiration. It is therefore prudent to have a high index of suspicion when evaluating cases of paediatric stridor. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are the diagnostic modalities of choice to investigate vascular rings. We report a case of a stridulous infant with a double aortic arch.

Early Prenatal Diagnosis of Double Aortic Arch: Prevalence, Associated Anomalies and Outcome

PURPOSE

 Our aims were to describe the feasibility of diagnosis of DAA in early pregnancy and to assess its prenatal prevalence, associated anomalies and outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A retrospective cohort review of all DAA cases diagnosed by early prenatal transvaginal scans at 12-17 weeks of gestation between the years 2007-2018 was performed. Associated anomalies, genetic abnormalities and long-term postnatal outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

 12 cases of DAA were diagnosed by early prenatal transvaginal scans at a median of 15 (range: 12-17) weeks of gestation out of a total of 28 654 early scans preformed with a prevalence of at least 1:2378. Associated anomalies/genetic abnormalities were found in 5/12 (42 %) cases. The diagnosis was confirmed postnatally in all newborns. In two cases termination of pregnancy was performed. Four patients (40 %) were symptomatic. Six patients (60 %) underwent surgery due to symptoms or due to severe obstruction on imaging with resolution of symptoms in all except one patient.

CONCLUSION

 DAA can be readily diagnosed transvaginally even in the first trimester. Its prevalence is 1:2387. A search for associated anomalies and genetic abnormalities should be performed. If DAA is isolated, the prognosis with or without surgery is usually good.

Key Features on the 3-Vessel View and 3-Vessel Tracheal View of Isolated Right Aortic Arch Anomalies

Right aortic arch anomalies are a spectrum of malformations that include right aortic arch with mirror image branching, right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery, and double aortic arch. Although these are rare anomalies, they are of importance as they form vascular rings, which can cause symptoms in the newborn period. These anomalies are not detected with routine cardiac views, and it is only with the 3-vessel, and the 3-vessel tracheal view that they can be identified and characterized. We describe specific sonographic findings of these anomalies on the 3-vessel and the 3-vessel tracheal view.

Prenatal diagnosis of complete vascular ring using high-definition flow render mode and spatiotemporal image correlation

Vascular rings (VRs) are defined as congenital abnormalities of the aortic arch and its branches. VR can form a ring that may compress the esophagus and trachea, which likely result in feeding difficulties and respiratory distress. Physicians performing fetal echocardiography are knowledgeable about VRS and can provide this information to pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons. However, VRs are rare and can be missed. The three vessels and trachea (3VT) view used to diagnose VRs has been reported in the literature multiple times but in a small series. We diagnosed three cases of VRs using high-definition (HD) flow render mode and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC). The composition of the VRs and vessel connections were shown more intuitively. This article reports our experience of the following related cases. In addition, postnatal imaging features of VRs were also evaluated.

Fetal Vascular Rings and Pulmonary Slings: Strategies for Two- and Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Diagnosis

Fetal aortic arch anomalies and pulmonary slings can be difficult to accurately diagnose but have important clinical implications related to vascular rings, congenital heart disease, and chromosomal anomalies. In this article, the authors briefly review the embryology and development of the fetal arch to facilitate understanding of its diverse variants. Two-dimensional echocardiographic characteristics are summarized for each type of these malformations to propose a strategy for fetal diagnosis. The added benefits of three-dimensional echocardiography with spatiotemporal image correlation are also shown. Finally, the authors propose a strategy for volume acquisition and postanalysis to spur postanalysis clinical use of this technology.

Fetal double aortic arch: prenatal sonographic and postnatal computed tomography angiography features, associated abnormalities and clinical outcomes

Background

Fetal double aortic arch (DAA) malformation is a rare congenital heart disease with few reported cases in the literature. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of prenatal ultrasound and postnatal computed tomography angiography (CTA) of DAA and to describe the associated anomalies and clinical outcomes to improve prenatal diagnosis and assist in perinatal management.

Methods

The obstetric ultrasound imaging databases of seven tertiary referral centers were reviewed retrospectively to identify fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of DAA between January 2013 and December 2018. Ultrasonographic findings, associated anomalies, genetic abnormalities, postnatal CTA images, and long-term postnatal outcomes were evaluated.

Results

A total of 36 cases out of 40 prenatally diagnosed DAA fetuses were confirmed by postnatal diagnosis (fetal autopsy, CTA, and surgery). In this cohort of 36 confirmed cases, 24 (67%) were isolated anomalies, while 12 (33%) were associated with intracardiac or extracardiac anomalies, and 2 (6%) had a 22q11.2 chromosome deletion. Among nine cases of pregnancy termination with a fetal autopsy, 7 had other abnormalities. Among the remaining 27 live births, 16 (59%) were asymptomatic and 11 (41%) received surgical treatment due to tracheal or esophageal compression symptoms, all with satisfactory outcomes. Prenatal echocardiography showed that DAA was mainly characterized by a bifurcation of the ascending aorta into the right and left aortic arch and the formation of a complete O-shaped vascular ring around the trachea on the three-vessel tracheal view. A variant in the aortic arch branching pattern was found for the first time. The airway obstruction, branching pattern, and atretic arch of DAA were clearly shown by postnatal CTA.

Conclusions

Fetal DAA has unique features on prenatal echocardiography and postnatal CTA, and systematic prenatal examination and timely postnatal CTA evaluation are required. A certain proportion of intracardiac and extracardiac abnormalities are associated with DAA, but the probability of chromosome abnormalities is low, especially for isolated DAA.The clinical outcomes of isolated DAA are favorable, even if surgery is performed due to symptoms. Determining whether other malformations or chromosomal anomalies exist is crucial for prognosis evaluation and prenatal counseling.

Double aortic arch with atretic left arch distal to the origin of left subclavian artery accompanied by dyspnea: A case report and literature review

Double aortic arch with atretic left arch distal to the origin of left subclavian artery is a rare type of vascular ring, and it can be easily confused with the right aortic arch with mirror branching. We provided a rare case of a 10-month-old infant with dyspnea. Echocardiography showed a suspicious double aortic arch with atretic left arch distal to the origin of left subclavian artery, which was confirmed intra-operatively. We summarize ultrasonic image characteristics of the disease and combine it with computed tomography angiography, bronchoscopy, and clinical symptoms in order to improve the detection rate and treatment strategy.

Prenatal echocardiographic assessment of right aortic arch

OBJECTIVES

To report our experience with fetal diagnosis of right aortic arch (RAA) variants based on the ductus arteriosus (DA) anatomy and brachiocephalic vessel branching pattern in relation to the trachea, and to establish whether the echocardiographic 'V-shaped' or 'U-shaped' appearance of the junction between the DA and aortic arch (AA) in the fetal upper mediastinal view is sufficiently accurate for assessment of fetal AA anatomy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of pregnancies with a prenatal diagnosis of fetal RAA that had postnatal confirmation of AA anatomy, referred to our tertiary center during 2011-2017. Prenatal and postnatal medical records, including echocardiographic and computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan reports, were reviewed, and cardiac and extracardiac abnormalities and the results of genetic testing were recorded.

RESULTS

Of 55 consecutive pregnancies with a prenatal diagnosis of fetal RAA, six were lost to follow-up, one was terminated and three were excluded due to lack of postnatal confirmation of AA anatomy. Of the remaining 45 pregnancies, AA anatomy was assessed postnatally by CT in 39, by MRI in one and by direct examination at cardiac surgery in five. A U-shaped appearance was found in 37/45 (82.2%) patients, all of which had a complete vascular ring (CVR). Of these 37 patients, on postnatal confirmation, 21 (56.8%) had RAA with Kommerell's diverticulum, left posterior ductus arteriosus (LPDA) and aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) (RAA/LPDA/ALSA), 11 (29.7%) had a double AA (DAA), four (10.8%) had RAA with Kommerell's diverticulum, LPDA and mirror-image (MI) branching (RAA/LPDA/MI), and one (2.7%) had RAA with Kommerell's diverticulum, LPDA and aberrant left innominate artery (ALIA) (RAA/LPDA/ALIA). A V-shaped appearance was found in 3/45 (6.7%) patients, all of which had RAA with right DA not forming a CVR and MI branching. In the 5/45 (11.1%) fetuses with neither U- nor V-shaped appearance, RAA with left anterior DA arising from the left innominate artery and MI branching, not forming a CVR, was found. Twelve (26.7%) fetuses had a congenital heart defect (CHD). RAA forming a CVR (U-shaped appearance) was associated with a septal defect in 6/37 (16.2%) fetuses, while RAA not forming a CVR (V-shaped appearance or no U- or V-shaped appearance) was associated with major CHD in 6/8 (75.0%) fetuses.

CONCLUSIONS

In fetuses with RAA, V-shaped appearance of the junction between the DA and AA indicates only that the transverse AA and DA run together on the same side of the thorax (trachea) while a U-shaped appearance is always a sign of a CVR. Among fetuses with a CVR, RAA/LPDA/MI is more frequent than described previously. Finally, RAA forming a CVR is not usually associated with complex CHD, as opposed to RAA not forming a CVR. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

3D-Imaging evaluation of double aortic arch with MSCTA: A case report and mini-review

Double aortic arch (DAA) is a rare congenital anomaly associated with the formation of a vascular ring. Patients with DAA commonly suffer from complications caused by intracardiac and extracardiac malformations and different degrees of airway stenosis. Multislice computed tomographic angiography (MSCTA) is an intuitive and effective medical imaging technique in clinical diagnosis of DAA. MSCTA can accurately manifest the aortic arch and the course of the descending aorta and airway stenosis in three-dimension (3D). It is important to diagnose and make an operative plan for DAA. In this paper, we present a case of DAA diagnosed by MSCTA with 3D-static images and rotated reconstruction images and performed a mini-review.

Prenatal diagnosis of the rare association of common arterial trunk and double aortic arch

Common arterial trunk with associated double aortic arch is a very rare constellation of congenital heart disease. Prenatal diagnosis allows for surgical repair prior to development of respiratory morbidity, which is otherwise described in all cases with this association.

Prenatal diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot with a double aortic arch

In this study, we present a case of prenatally diagnosed tetralogy of Fallot with a double aortic arch, correlating images from fetal echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, and cardiac MRI.

Fetal Aortic Arch Anomalies: Key Sonographic Views for Their Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Implications Using the Cardiovascular System Sonographic Evaluation Protocol

Aortic arch anomalies are present in 1% to 2% of the general population and are commonly associated with congenital heart disease, chromosomal defects, and tracheaesophageal compression in postnatal life. The sonographically based detection of aortic arch anomalies lies in the 3-vessel and trachea view. Although highly sensitive, this view alone does not allow identification of the aortic arch branching pattern, which prevents an accurate diagnosis. The systematic addition of a subclavian artery view as part of a standardized procedure may be useful in the differential diagnosis of these conditions. We describe the sonographic assessment of fetal aortic arch anomalies by combining 2 fetal transverse views: the 3-vessel and trachea view and the subclavian artery view, which are included in the cardiovascular system sonographic evaluation protocol. We also review the sonographic findings and the clinical implications of fetal aortic arch anomalies.