Aortic Arch Syndrome
Aortic arch syndrome is a narrowing of several or all branches of the aortic arch. The aortic arch itself can also be narrowed (stenosed). The main cause is vascular calcification.
Sometimes an autoimmune disease (Takayasu arteritis) is also found as a cause. The symptoms depend on the degree and location of the constriction. In the arms there may be sensation and pain.
The arms are also often cool and pale, the pulse is not or only weakly palpable. A large difference in blood pressure between the two arms can be an indication of this, depending on where the stenosis is located. If the brain is undersupplied, seizure-like stroke-like symptoms such as
- Speech disorders
- Swindle
- Or even vision problems.
Takayasu arteritis
This Takayasu arteritis, named after the first describer, is a systemic vascular disease that mainly affects the large arteries of the elastic type. The formation of granulomas in the media leads to scarring (internal scars). However, the first symptoms are first found in the muscles and joints, accompanied by the so-called B-symptoms (night sweats, fever, weight loss). Only in the course of time do the vessels become constricted and blocked.
Marfan syndrome
Marfan’s syndrome is characterized by a weakness of the connective tissue due to a genetic mutation of chromosome 15, which often leads to symptoms such as heart valve defects or aortic dissections in addition to numerous other symptoms.
