title: Congenital vascular rings: a clinical challenge for the pediatrician.
abstract: Vascular rings are congenital anomalies that lead to variable degrees of respiratory problems or feeding difficulties by forming a complete or partial ring compressing the trachea, the bronchi, and the esophagus. The clinical diagnosis of vascular rings is often challenging for the pediatrician because the clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and nonspecific. Symptoms can vary from wheezing, stridor, dyspnea, and/or dysphagia to life-threatening conditions; however, they may not be present. The aim of this study is to review the recent literature on this subject and describe new developments in diagnostics and imaging.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Amelia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Licari
authors.forename: Enrica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Manca
authors.forename: Gaetana Anna
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Rispoli
authors.forename: Savina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mannarino
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pelizzo
authors.forename: Gian Luigi
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Marseglia
mesh_terms: D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology; D016122:Brachiocephalic Trunk / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology; D001980:Bronchi; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology*; D004947:Esophagus; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D011312:Pressure; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000209:etiology*; D013348:Subclavian Artery / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology; D014132:Trachea; D054079:Vascular Malformations / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000196:embryology
keywords: Vascular rings; cardiovascular anomalies; dysphagia; stridor; trachea-esophageal compression