Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis and postnatal management of a vascular ring – a case report
Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
Department of Diagnosis and Prevention of Fetal Malformations, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
Department of Prenatal Cardiology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital, Lodz, Poland
Vascular ring is a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly resulting from abnormal development of the aortic arch system, potentially leading to compression of the trachea and oesophagus and causing respiratory or feeding difficulties. Despite its potential clinical significance, it may remain asymptomatic and is therefore frequently missed. This case describes a prenatally diagnosed vascular ring in a singleton fetus. Although early examinations were “normal”, later fetal echocardiography revealed a right-sided aortic arch forming a complete vascular ring. Postnatal imaging confirmed the diagnosis, showing mild tracheal compression. The newborn initially remained asymptomatic but developed feeding difficulties at 7 months, which led to surgical intervention. The procedure was successful, and the child recovered without complications. The case highlights the importance of advanced prenatal diagnostics – particularly the 3VT view – in detecting subtle vascular anomalies. Early diagnosis allowed for appropriate monitoring and proper interpretation of clinical findings.
Keywords
prenatal diagnostics, vascular ring, 3VT view
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