MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Aortic arch syndrome

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Aortic arch syndrome

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names	Definition Symptoms

Illustrations

Heart, section through the middle

Alternative names Return to top

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

Definition Return to top

The aorta is the large, main artery carrying blood away from the heart. Aortic arch syndrome refers to a group of signs and symptoms associated with structural abnormalities in the arteries that branch off from the aortic arch (the top portion of the aorta). The abnormalities are most often associated with atherosclerosis, trauma, blood clots, or malformations that developed before birth.

The arteries' defects result in abnormal blood flow to the head, neck, or arms.

Symptoms Return to top

Symptoms vary according to the affected artery, but may include neurologic changes (such as dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, and transient ischemic attacks), blood pressure changes, reduced pulse, numbness of an arm, and others.

Update Date: 11/5/2002

Updated by: Elena Sgarbossa, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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