Aortic arch anomalies pathophysiology

Associate Editor-In-Chief: Keri Shafer, M.D. [mailto:kshafer@bidmc.harvard.edu] Priyamvada Singh, MBBS mailto:psingh@perfuse.org

Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. mailto:kfeeney@perfuse.org

Pathophysiology & Etiology
Vascular rings encircle the trachea and esophagus, which results in variable degrees of compression of both structures. Compression of the trachea causes upper airway obstruction that impairs airflow. The extent of airway compression is variable. Double aortic arch is more often associated airway compression and is also associated with more severe airway compression than other forms of vascular ring.