The aortic arch syndrome (AAS) is associated with obliteration of arteries arising from the aortic arch. The term was first used by AG Frovig in 1946.
Underlying conditions:
(1) large vessel vasculitis (Takayasu's arteritis)
(2) subclavian steal syndrome
(3) carotid artery occlusion syndrome
Clinical findings:
(1) ocular ischemia with blurred vision or loss of vision and ocular pain
(2) cerebral ischemia with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or dizziness
(3) limb ischemia with muscle weakness, arm numbness and loss of pulses
(4) normal perfusion of the abdomen and lower extremities
(5) variable involvement of the coronary arteries with myocardial ischemia
(6) variable presence of collateral arteries to supply the affected areas
The decrease in blood pressures and pulses in upper extremities with preserved perfusion of the lower extremities may be referred to as "reverse coarctation syndrome" (Sen Gupta and Ghosh).
