Persistent Fifth Aortic Arch in Man

Abstract

Persistence of the fifth aortic arch is a rare vascular anomaly of man, and in all cases reported thus far there has been an associated patent ductus Botalli (arteriosus). The present case is unique in at least three respects: lack of associated intracardiac malformation, the survival of the patient, and prenatal exposure to the possible teratogenic action of the anticonvulsant drug trimethadione (Tridione). Other noncardiovascular congenital defects were present in our patient. The dislocation of the hip and the patent ductus arteriosus have been corrected surgically.