Clinical and imaging characteristics of isolated subclavian artery in pediatric patients

Objectives To describe clinical and imaging characteristics of an isolated subclavian artery (ISA) in pediatric patients. Background ISA is a rare congenital aortic arch anomaly defined as a loss of connection between the subclavian artery and aorta. The clinical manifestations and complications of ISA in children are unclear. Methods This retrospective study included clinical and imaging data of ISA patients younger than 18 years whose data were recorded in the electronic radiology database during January 2006–August 2019. Results Of 102 enrolled patients, 59 had been diagnosed in the first year of life. The majority of the patients also had congenital heart diseases, of which tetralogy of Fallot was the most common. The vertebral artery and collateral branch of the descending aorta served as blood flow supplies in 94 and 8 patients with ISA, respectively, as confirmed using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. However, the blood supply did not influence the development of ISA. Eleven patients exhibited mild or moderate stenosis of the ISA, although only two exhibited coldness or a blood pressure gradient in the upper extremities. These two symptomatic patients also presented with patent ductus arteriosus, and this association was significant (P = 0.008). Conclusion ISA management is often determined based on symptoms and associated congenital heart diseases. The ISA is prone to stenosis in patients with ipsilateral patent ductus arteriosus. We recommend early surgical ligation or percutaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus in patients with ISA.