Abnormal Aortic Arch Morphology C3163801
A structural abnormality of the aortic arch that can affect blood flow to the body. It may require imaging monitoring and surgical repair depending on severity and associated complications.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- I78.0
- ICD-11
- BA00.0
- Body system
- cardiovascular
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Chest Pain
Chest discomfort or pain, often exertional, resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle or increased cardiac stress.
Chest pain should be evaluated immediately as it may indicate serious cardiac complications. Seek emergency care if severe or persistent.
Dizziness or Syncope
Feeling lightheaded or fainting, often related to reduced blood flow to the brain from altered aortic dynamics.
Fainting or recurrent dizziness requires urgent medical evaluation to rule out serious complications.
Upper Body Hypertension
(cardiovascular)High blood pressure in the arms and upper body with relatively low blood pressure in the legs, commonly seen with coarctation of the aorta.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Diminished Femoral Pulses
(cardiovascular)Weakened or absent pulses in the groin and lower extremities compared to upper body pulses.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Heart Murmur
(cardiovascular)Abnormal heart sound heard during examination, often due to turbulent blood flow across the abnormal arch segment.
Frequency: 60-75% of patients
Dyspnea on Exertion
(respiratory)Shortness of breath during physical activity due to increased cardiac workload and potential compression of airway structures.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Exercise Intolerance
(constitutional)Reduced ability to perform physical activities due to limited cardiac output and early fatigue.
Frequency: 35-45% of patients
Stridor
(respiratory)High-pitched breathing sound caused by compression of the trachea from a vascular ring abnormality.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Dysphagia
(gastrointestinal)Difficulty swallowing due to compression of the esophagus by an abnormal aortic arch structure.
Frequency: 10-20% of patients
Failure to Thrive
(constitutional)Poor growth and weight gain in infants and children due to increased cardiac demands and reduced systemic blood flow.
Frequency: 15-20% of pediatric patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Disease management and monitoring
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Aortic Arch Repair or Reconstruction
Open surgical repair involving resection of the abnormal aortic arch segment with graft replacement. May include arch vessel reimplantation for complex reconstructions.
Serial Imaging Surveillance
Regular monitoring with CT angiography, MRI, or echocardiography to assess arch morphology, dimensions, and progression. Imaging frequency based on severity and growth patterns.
Additional treatment options
Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Minimally invasive approach using stent-graft placement through peripheral arteries to exclude abnormal arch segments. Suitable for selected patients with appropriate anatomy.
procedureCardiovascular Risk Reduction
Smoking cessation, blood pressure control, and avoidance of strenuous activities that increase aortic stress. Includes low-intensity aerobic exercise and stress management.
lifestyleBeta-Blocker or ARB Therapy
Blood pressure medications that reduce aortic wall stress and may slow aneurysm progression. Typically used in patients with associated aortopathy or hypertension.
medicationWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Aortic Arch Morphology C3163801?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Stout KK, Daniels CJ, Aboulhosn JA, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease. Circulation. 2019;139:e698-e800.
Baumgartner H, De Backer J, Babu-Narayan SV, et al. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the management of adult congenital heart disease. European Heart Journal. 2021;42(6):563-645.
Hanneman K, Newman B, Chan F. Congenital Anomalies of the Aortic Arch: Evaluation with CT Angiography. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2020;214(3):507-519.
American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Guidelines for the Management of Congenital Heart Disease. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2022;164(2):471-512.
Kruskal JB, Baer R, Ntsinjana H. Vascular Rings and Slings: Imaging Features and Differential Diagnosis. Pediatric Radiology. 2021;51(8):1373-1390.
Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Aortic Arch Anomalies. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2023;115(4):1024-1042.
Marelli AJ. Congenital Heart Disease. In: Braunwald E, Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2022:Chapter 65.
Mayer JE Jr, Ungerleider RM, Tweddell J, et al. Surgical Outcomes in Aortic Arch Reconstruction: A Multicenter Registry Study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2021;77(11):1381-1394.
Medication Comparisons
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy