Complete Interruption of Aortic Arch and Non-Immune Hydrops Fetalis: A Case Report with Autopsy

Introduction

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) occurs in three births per million, and accounts for approximately 1% of congenital heart diseases (CHDs).^– The first case reported with these anomalies appears to be the one by Seidel in 1818.

IAA is a severe form of CHD characterized by a lack of luminal continuity between the ascending and the descending thoracic aorta. The two most common associated cardiac anomalies are ventricular septal defect (90%) and patent ductus arteriosus (98%). Isolated IAA is very uncommon^, and it is considered incompatible with life.

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