LASIK Surgery Health Chat: Tuesday, December 15th 5:00-6:00 PM Eastern. Free live Q&A with Dr. Omar E Awad. Ask your question in advance!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Right-Sided Aortic Arch - No Left Subclavian Artery
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Right-Sided Aortic Arch - No Left Subclavian Artery
by Phenomenal-Lady, Sep 21, 2004 12:00AM
Greetings, in the presence of the Lord.
In April of '02 my right leg swelled to twice it's normal size. I can't describe the pain. I spent the rest of the day in a wheelchair. Several test were performed and doctors could never diagnose the problem. In Feb. '03 I experienced the same problem with my left arm. I was off work 2.5 months. Over the next year the pain got severe, eventually moving to my neck, shoulders, back, and chest. I began having difficulty breathing in the morning and sleeping at night. I saw over 13 doctors and not one could find the problem.
In May of this year my therapist ordered an MRI, which revealed axillary venous prominece. A CT done in June showed evidence of a Right-Sided Aortic Arch. A CTA done in July confirmed this, along with NO evidence of a Left Subclavian Artery. It did not show up on the CT or the CTA. Doctors have not been able to get a pulse or blood pressure in my left arm for over a year. I also have arrhythmia.
I am constantly in pain, especially in the shoulder/neck and back areas. I can't hold my arms up. I have problems carrying items, and performing basic household chores, such as sweeping, folding clothes, etc... Doctors have recommended bypass surgery, which is a bit scary to think about. I'm 28 years old. I've also been told that my case is so rare. Doctors are in awe that I never had problems before now.
1. Without the bypass, what could be the long-term effects?
2. Could there be any connection between my leg problems and the diagnosis?
3. Can you give me any additional information about the diagnosis?
In April of '02 my right leg swelled to twice it's normal size. I can't describe the pain. I spent the rest of the day in a wheelchair. Several test were performed and doctors could never diagnose the problem. In Feb. '03 I experienced the same problem with my left arm. I was off work 2.5 months. Over the next year the pain got severe, eventually moving to my neck, shoulders, back, and chest. I began having difficulty breathing in the morning and sleeping at night. I saw over 13 doctors and not one could find the problem.
In May of this year my therapist ordered an MRI, which revealed axillary venous prominece. A CT done in June showed evidence of a Right-Sided Aortic Arch. A CTA done in July confirmed this, along with NO evidence of a Left Subclavian Artery. It did not show up on the CT or the CTA. Doctors have not been able to get a pulse or blood pressure in my left arm for over a year. I also have arrhythmia.
I am constantly in pain, especially in the shoulder/neck and back areas. I can't hold my arms up. I have problems carrying items, and performing basic household chores, such as sweeping, folding clothes, etc... Doctors have recommended bypass surgery, which is a bit scary to think about. I'm 28 years old. I've also been told that my case is so rare. Doctors are in awe that I never had problems before now.
1. Without the bypass, what could be the long-term effects?
2. Could there be any connection between my leg problems and the diagnosis?
3. Can you give me any additional information about the diagnosis?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Sep 21, 2004 12:00AM
Well, you can add me to the club. I have never seen this before either. Even doing a literature search I am having a hard time finding much information.
1. It sounds like if you don't have bypass surgery, you will continue to have the symptoms you are experiencing now. It sounds like you are not getting enough blood flow to your left arm and chest. If this is the case, it will not get better on its own.
2. There is not connection that I could find, but take this with a grain of salt. I have never seen this before and could not find any good references on it. You will want to find a subspecialist that has dealt with this before.
3. Unfortunately, I have nothing else to offer.
Good luck. I hope your surgery improves your symptoms.
1. It sounds like if you don't have bypass surgery, you will continue to have the symptoms you are experiencing now. It sounds like you are not getting enough blood flow to your left arm and chest. If this is the case, it will not get better on its own.
2. There is not connection that I could find, but take this with a grain of salt. I have never seen this before and could not find any good references on it. You will want to find a subspecialist that has dealt with this before.
3. Unfortunately, I have nothing else to offer.
Good luck. I hope your surgery improves your symptoms.
Member Comments (1)
by Owl61, Oct 05, 2008 06:20AM
A related discussion, fistula was started.
