What are Aortic Arch Conditions?
Structural abnormalities in the arteries that branch off the top of the aorta are called aortic arch conditions. These abnormalities can reduce blood flow to vital organs and result in inflammation and blockage of the vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to areas of the body. The name “aortic arch syndrome” usually refers to Takayasu’s arteritis, a rare autoimmune disorder that mainly affects Asian women. Takayasu’s arteritis also causes inflammation of the aortic arch, eventually blocking arteries possibly causing organ damage and symptoms of heart attack and stroke. Since the cause of aortic arch syndrome is unknown, it is difficult to predict who will develop the condition.