ABSTRACT
Vascular rings are unusual congenital anomalies that occur early in the development of the aortic arch and great vessels. The primary symptoms associated with vascular rings relate to the structures that are encircled by the ring, namely, the trachea and esophagus. Vascular rings are uncommon anomalies and make up less than 1" of all congenital cardiac defects. Vascular rings are a group of congenital anomalies caused by different regressions and involutions from the embryonic aortic arch system. Different variations of vascular anomalies exist: double aortic arch, right aortic arch, pulmonary artery sling, vascular rings associated with left aortic arch, and cervical aorta. The classic sign of a child with a vascular ring is the "seal-bark" cough. The identification of a right aortic arch on chest radiograph in a child with airway difficulties, respiratory distress, or dysphagia should alert the clinician to a higher likelihood of a vascular ring.
