Aortic arch branch variations--case report and arteriographic analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Non-recognition of a critical aortic arch branch variation at surgery, with fatal consequences, prompted a retrospective analysis of the prevalence of aortic arch branch variations in the South African population.


METHODS
Three hundred and twenty aortic arch angiograms were analysed from existing records (January 1988--March 1998) of the vascular unit, Department of Surgery, University of Natal.


RESULTS
Aortic arch branch variations were observed in 17 cases (5.3%). These variations were as follows: (i) 11 cases with two primary branches (3.4%); (ii) 1 case with three primary branches (0.3%); and (iii) 5 cases with four primary branches (1.6%).


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical presentations which these variations give rise to are well known and may present during the first days of life or later in adulthood, or remain clinically silent. Non-recognition of the latter situation in the presence of vascular trauma may have fatal consequences.
Satyapal
Kapil Sewsaran
KS
Department of Anatomy, University of Durban-Westville.
Singaram
Saraswathi
S
Partab
Prawesh
P
Kalideen
Jaikrishna Maharaj
JM
Robbs
John Vivian
JV
D000328:Adult; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D020520:Brain Infarction / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*