The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
myClipboard
myClipboard
Save news, events, articles and doctor's information to your personal clipboard for later reference.
Add items by clicking the 
button.
Create an account
Centers of Excellence
-
-
We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
-
The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
-
Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
-
The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
Share
Print
Related Media
Aortic arch syndrome
Definition
Aortic arch syndrome refers to a group of signs and symptoms associated with structural problems in the arteries that branch off the aortic arch. The aortic arch is the top part 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
Aortic arch syndrome problems are most often associated with trauma, blood clots, or malformations that develop before birth. The arteries' defects result in abnormal blood flow to the head, neck, or arms.
In children, there are multiple types of aortic arch syndromes, including:
- Congenital absence of a branch of the aorta
- Isolation of the subclavian arteries
- Vascular rings
Symptoms
Symptoms vary according to the affected artery, but may include:
- Neurological changes such as:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Weakness
- Blood pressure changes
- Breathing problems
- Numbness of an arm
- Reduced pulse
Signs and tests
Treatment
Surgery is usually required to treat the underlying cause of aortic arch syndrome.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention
References
Webb GD, Smallhorn JF, Therrien J, et al. Diseases of the heart, pericardium, and pulmonary vasculature bed. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. . 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 61.
Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).