Vascular Ring—Child
Definition
A vascular ring is a defect of the aorta and nearby large vessels. The aorta is the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the body. When the aorta and nearby large vessels form in abnormal positions, the trachea and esophagus can become constricted by the “ring” formed by these abnormal vessels. Examples of this type of defect include:
- Double aortic arch
- Right aortic arch
While vascular ring may be detected in infancy, it is often discovered later in life.
Heart and Main Vessels
Causes
Vascular ring is a congenital defect. This means that the baby is born with the condition. During fetal growth in the womb, the large vessels near the heart do not develop normally. It is not known exactly why some children’s vessels develop in this way.
Risk Factors
Specific risk factors for vascular ring are not known.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary and can range from mild to severe. They may include:
- Trouble breathing (wheezing, coughing, noisy breathing)
- Lung infections
- Poor feeding of solid food (eg, vomiting or choking)
- Trouble swallowing
- Acid reflux
These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. If your child has any of these, tell the doctor right away.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
- Echocardiogram —an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at the size, shape, and motion of the heart
- CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the chest
- MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
- Chest x-ray —an imaging test that uses low amounts of radiation to create an image of the chest
- Electrocardiogram —a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart
- Upper gastrointestinal series —a series of x-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine)
- Bronchoscopy —a visual exam of the air passages leading into the lungs
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include:
Surgery
The goal of surgery is to divide the vascular ring and relieve compression on the trachea and esophagus. This surgery may even be done if your child has minor symptoms.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent formation of a vascular ring. Getting appropriate prenatal care is always important.
American Family Physician
American Heart Association
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Children’s Hospital Boston. Vascular ring. Children’s Hospital Boston website. Available at: http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1942/mainpageS1942P0.html. Accessed July 23, 2010.
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Vascular rings. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital website. Available at: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/heart-encyclopedia/anomalies/rings.htm. Accessed July 23, 2010.
Johns Hopkins University, Cove Point Foundation. Vascular ring. Johns Hopkins University, Cove Point Foundation website. Available at: http://www.pted.org/?id=vascularring2. Accessed July 9, 2010.
Last reviewed June 2012 by Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
