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Aortic arch syndrome

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

Aortic arch syndrome refers to a group of signs and symptoms associated with structural abnormalities in the arteries that branch off the aortic arch (the top portion of the main artery carrying blood away from the heart.

Alternative Names:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The abnormalities are most often associated with atherosclerosis, trauma, blood clots, or malformations that developed before birth.

• Review Date: 11/6/2006
• Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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