Surgical treatment of double aortic arch

Background: This study aims to describe the management and surgical outcomes of patients with isolated double aortic arch (DAA). Methods: Data regarding presentation, management, and surgical outcomes of 11 patients (8 girls, 3 boys; median age of 18.6 months) operated between January 2006 and January 2012 due to DAA were evaluated retrospectively. Duration of the reversal of symptoms was recorded throughout the follow-up period. Results: The median age at the onset of symptoms was 3.5 months (birth to 4 years). Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in all and respiratory symptoms were present in 45.5% of patients, with difficulty in feeding and recurrent respiratory tract infections being the most common symptoms, respectively. All patients underwent corrective surgery successfully. No early or late death occurred. No reoperations were required during follow-ups. Symptoms involving gastrointestinal tract disappeared in all patients (100%) in mean 6.4 +/- 4.3 months, whereas respiratory symptoms disappeared in four patients (80%) in 11.4 +/- 7.2 months. Conclusion: Today, results of surgical treatment of DAA are satisfying. Following surgery, while gastrointestinal symptoms disappeared in all patients regardless of age, complete relief of respiratory symptoms requires early intervention.