The aortic arch is the segment of aorta between the inominate artery and subclavian artery. This segment gives off the arteries to the brain, neck, face, and upper extremities. It connects the ascending aorta to the descending aorta, crossing from the front part of the chest to the back.

The aortic arch aneurysms are commonly caused by atherosclerosis, infection, and dissection. The infections of the aortic arch are as a result of a blood-borne microorganism, which seeds an atherosclerotic plaque. The bacterial infection results in weakening of the aortic wall resulting in a mycotic aneurysm. Occasionally, the atherosclerotic changes can be so advanced that the inside of the aorta appears like stalagmites and a cauliflower on echocardiogram.

A significant percentage of aortic arch aneurysms are asymptomatic.Aortic arch aneurysms are usually found incidentally on plain chest x-rays. As the aneurysm expands the symptoms which ensue are related to compression of surrounding structures like the trachea and esophagus. A patient may develop hoarseness from stretching a nerve that goes to the vocal cords.

The treatment of aortic aneurysm is based on the cause, symptom and size. In general, atherosclerotic aneurysms greater than or equal to 6 cm and chronic dissection of the aortic arch of greater than or equal to 5 cm should be considered for repair. A symptomatic aortic arch, regardless of size, should be offered surgical intervention. Pseudoaneurysms of the aortic arch are commonly seen secondary to penetrating ulcers and should be carefully monitored for growth and intervened with maximum diameter of 5 cm or symptoms.