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Abnormal Branching Pattern Of The Aortic Arch C4023282

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

A congenital abnormality in aortic arch branching patterns. Can affect anyone with this variant. Treatment depends on symptoms.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

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

!

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the skin and lips indicating inadequate oxygen supply, occurring in severe cases with significant airway obstruction.

Cyanosis is a medical emergency. Seek immediate emergency care.

Noisy breathing (stridor)

(respiratory)

High-pitched breathing sound caused by narrowing of the trachea due to compression from the abnormal aortic arch branch.

Frequency: 60-70% of patients

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

(gastrointestinal)

Sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest due to compression of the esophagus by the abnormal vascular structure.

Frequency: 50-60% of patients

Shortness of breath

(respiratory)

Feeling of breathlessness or air hunger resulting from tracheal compression or airway obstruction caused by the abnormal vessel.

Frequency: 30-40% of patients

Chronic cough

(respiratory)

Persistent cough that does not go away, often due to irritation or compression of the airway by the abnormal aortic arch branch.

Frequency: 40-50% of patients

Chest pain

(cardiovascular)

Discomfort or pain in the chest area that may occur due to compression of cardiovascular structures by the abnormal branching pattern.

Frequency: 20-30% of patients

Hoarseness

(neurologic)

Changes in voice quality including raspiness or weakness, often caused by compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Frequency: 15-25% of patients

Recurrent respiratory infections

(respiratory)

Frequent lung or airway infections resulting from impaired airway clearance due to tracheal compression.

Frequency: 10-20% of patients

Wheezing

(respiratory)

Whistling sound during breathing that may be mistaken for asthma but is caused by airway narrowing from vascular compression.

Frequency: 10-15% of patients

Difficulty feeding (infants)

(cardiovascular)

In infants, difficulty with feeding or poor weight gain due to combined esophageal compression and respiratory compromise.

Frequency: 5% or fewer patients

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

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

1

Disease management and monitoring

Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

lifestyle
2

Vascular imaging surveillance

Regular CT angiography or MR angiography to monitor the aortic arch branching pattern and detect progressive changes.

monitoring
3

Comprehensive cardiac evaluation

Detailed assessment including echocardiography and cardiac catheterization to determine functional significance and plan management.

procedure

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Abnormal Branching Pattern Of The Aortic Arch C4023282?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Thoracic Aorta Interrogation. Reston, VA: ACR; 2022.

guideline2022View source →
2

Jakanani G, Botnar R, Redpath T, et al. Imaging of the thoracic aorta: anatomy, pathology and MRI techniques. J Cardiovasc Med. 2012;13(8):481-490.

review2012
3

Popoff AM, Woo K, Malgieri N, et al. Aortic arch variants and anomalies. Ann Vasc Surg. 2020;69:120-134.

review2020
4

Liang W, Yu T, Liu J, et al. Multidetector CT angiography of aortic arch branching patterns: classification and clinical significance. J Vasc Surg. 2018;68(3):735-742.

clinical_trial2018
5

Standring S, ed. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed. Elsevier; 2021.

textbook2021
6

Erbel R, Aboyans V, Boileau C, et al. 2014 ESC Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of aortic diseases. Eur Heart J. 2014;35(41):2873-2926.

position_statement2014View source →
7

Maldonado T, D'Ayala M, Radhakrishnan S, et al. Vascular rings and aortic arch anomalies: embryology and imaging. Cardiol Young. 2020;30(6):779-789.

review2020
8

Hiratzka LF, Bakris GL, Beckman JA, et al. 2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with thoracic aortic disease. Circulation. 2010;121(13):e266-e369.

guideline2010View source →
9

Kau T, Sinzig M, Gasser J, et al. Aortic development and anomalies. Semin Intervent Radiol. 2007;24(2):141-152.

other2007
10

Duran C, Kantarci M, Durak M, et al. Multidetector CT angiography of aortic arch variants: a systematic review. Surg Radiol Anat. 2012;34(8):715-728.

meta_analysis2012

Medication Comparisons

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy