Imaging findings in pediatric patients with persistent airway symptoms after surgery for double aortic arch

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to review the imaging findings of children referred for cross-sectional imaging to evaluate persistent airway symptoms after surgical therapy for double aortic arch. CONCLUSION. Airway narrowing is clearly shown on cross-sectional imaging in patients with persistent airway symptoms after surgical therapy for double aortic arch. Two patterns of airway compression are typically seen: narrowing of the trachea at the level of the postsurgical arch and narrowing of the left main bronchus as a result of compression from a midline descending aorta. Both patterns may be seen in patients regardless of whether the left or the right arch has been ligated.