Double aortic arch diagnosed in a 44-year-old woman with recurring respiratory infections

Abstract

Complete vascular rings are originated because of the persistence of the fourth aortic arches, which surround the trachea and esophagus partially or completely, compressing them. The most common type of complete vascular ring is the double aortic arch. Symptoms usually appear in the first months of life, and are provoked by esophageal and tracheal compression. The diagnosis is usually made through the chest X-ray and the esophagogram in patients with dysphagia. We present a case in which the diagnosis of a double aortic arch was made in adulthood, suspected through a spirometry test and a chest X-ray.