Living with Aortic arch interruption
A rare heart defect in which part of the main blood vessel from the heart is not connected, noticed in newborns and infants.
Understanding Aortic arch interruption
This break means there is no direct path for blood to flow along the aorta. It is different from atresia of the aortic arch, where the two parts are joined by a thin fibrous strand. It is seen in newborns and infants.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Trouble breathing and fast breathing
- Blue-tinged skin (cyanosis)
- Feeding difficulties in infancy
- Heart murmur
- Hole between the lower heart chambers (VSD)
- Weak or absent pulse, and higher blood pressure in arms than legs
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include heart and blood vessel specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: aortic arch obstruction; atretic transverse aortic arch; iaa - interrupted aortic arch; interrupted aortic arch
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Aortic arch interruption.
Explore research for Aortic arch interruption
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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