Asymptomatic Double Aortic Arch Accidentally Diagnosed for a Child with T-Cell Lymphoma - Case Report

Introduction. Double aortic arch (DAA) represents a vascular malformation generated by the persistence of the right dorsal aorta from the intrauterine life. An aortic ring is formed, that surrounds the trachea and esophagus, resulting in difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

Case report. We report the case of a 13 years old male child who was admitted to the pediatric surgery department accusing the presence of a paravertebral subcutaneous lesions. Histopathological result of the excised lesion revealed the presence of peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Examination of computer tomography angiography (Angio-CT) revealed the presence of a complete arterial chain (aortic double arch - DAA) around the trachea and esophagus, without signs of compression.

Most cases are diagnosed in the first year of life, the literature reports a few cases of DAA diagnosed late, to the adolescent or adult. Clinically most of the anatomical variants are usually symptomatic especially that are associated with congenital heart defects, including also Fallot tetralogy.

Conclusions. Angio-CT is a very useful method in diagnosing arterial or venous malformations, symptomatic or asymptomatic.