Interrupted fourth aortic arch with persistent fifth aortic arch and aortic coarctation—treatment with balloon angioplasty combined with surgery

Abstract A symptomatic neonate was referred for aortic coarctation and, at cineangiography, was shown to have an interruption of the aortic arch at the isthmus together with coarctation related to a persistent fifth aortic arch. Balloon dilation of the coarctation was performed, but the coarctation was still evident after six months. A graft was then interposed between the left subclavian artery and the descending aorta. Balloon dilation was repeated five years later leaving a residual gradient of 11 mm Hg.