What is the most common type of interrupted aortic arch?

The most common type of interrupted aortic arch is Type B. This classification pertains to the anatomic location of the interruption, which occurs distal to the left subclavian artery and affects blood flow to the descending aorta. The interruption typically occurs between the left subclavian artery and the ductus arteriosus or ligamentum arteriosum, leading to differential blood supply to the upper body versus the lower body.

In Type B, patients may present with varying degrees of collateral circulation, allowing blood to be shunted from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta through collateral vessels. This type of interruption is often diagnosed in infancy or early childhood, with characteristic signs of differential cyanosis and signs of heart failure due to inadequate perfusion of systemic circulation.

Understanding this type can help clinicians diagnose and manage the condition effectively, as it often requires surgical intervention to establish continuity of the aorta. The recognition of Type B as the most prevalent form aids in clinical awareness for timely treatment and potential complications associated with interrupted aortic arch anomalies.