Vascular Ring Anomalies

Conditions included: Persistent Right Aortic Arch (PRAA) — Double Aortic Arch — Anomalous Subclavian Arteries

Introduction

Post-mortem specimen of an animal with a persistent right aortic arch
Alun Williams 2009 (RVC))

This congenital condition is most commonly found in dogs after weaning, but is very rare in cats.

Persistent Right Aortic Arch is the most common vascular ring anomaly, increased incidence in German Shepherd Dogs, and Irish setters. Vascular ring forms between the ductus arteriosus/ligamentum arteriosum and the persistent right aorta. Megaoesophagus is seen cranial to the constriction. Other causes include a double aortic arch and anomalous subclavian arteries. These arise from the aortic arch rather than the brachiocephalic artery.

During normal embryonic development there are five pairs of aortic arch arteries (1-6, 5 is absent) that undergo developmental changes necessary to form the major arteries of the head, neck, and upper thorax.

Malformations of the aortic arch arteries can cause several vascular ring anomalies, but the most commonly seen anomaly is persistent right aortic arch (PRAA). With PRAA, the oesophagus and trachea are most often encircled by the left ligamentum arteriosum as they pass over the heart base causing chronic oesophageal and tracheal compression.

When a young animal with PRAA is weaned onto solid food, the oesophageal and tracheal compression causes food stasis above the narrowed esophageal foramen leading to megaesophagus. Continued stress on the oesophagus in this manner can cause permanent damage. Additionally, aspiration pneumonia and the resulting respiratory distress is a complication of postprandial regurgitation.

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs are usually due to constriction of the oesophagus, such as regurgitation of food, usually noticed at weaning and aspiration pneumonia. This may be seen as coughing. The animal may present as 'vomiting' but thorough history and physical exam should distinguish this from regurgitation. Respiratory distress may also be seen. Stunted growth, thin and malnourished with an increased appetite may also be a clinical sign.

Diagnosis

History and clinical signs plus age and breed may be indicative of the disease.

On physical exam, there will be no cardiac murmurs unless a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is also present. A palpable dilated cervical oesophagus may be detected.

Radiographs should be taken for further diagnostics and will show a ventral deviation of the trachea and dilation of the oesophagus. A barium swallow will provide definitive diagnosis of this condition.

Treatment

Surgical resection of the vascular ring anomaly is possible, by referral to a specialist cardiac surgeon. Dietary management is usually sufficient to control regurgitation, such as feeding from a platform and feeding small amounts of liquidised food. 

Prognosis

Good with surgery, but less favourable if there is extensive oesophageal damage. If surgery cannot be performed, for whatever reason, then thoughts into the quality of life of the animal without surgery must be taken into consideration.

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References

Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman, E. C. (2000) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diseases of the Dog and Cat Volume 2 (Fifth Edition) W.B. Saunders Company

Ettinger, S.J, Feldman, E.C. (2005) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (6th edition, volume 2) W.B. Saunders Company

Fossum, T. W. et. al. (2007) Small Animal Surgery (Third Edition) Mosby Elsevier

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial

Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition) Mosby Elsevier