Persistent Right Aortic Arch (PRAA) and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Flashcards
What is a PRAA?
Persistent right aortic arch with left ligamentum arteriosum (PRAA) is a vascular anomaly of the thoracic great vessels, resulting in the oesophagus being encircled and constricted.
What is the most common (95%) vascular ring anomaly in dogs?
PRAA
Where does a PRAA extend between?
Left pulmonary artery and right aortic arch
What is encircled in a PRAA?
Oesophagus
What % of patients with a PRAA has a patent ligamentum arteriosum?
10%
When are PRAA clinical signs first identified?
At weaning as signs consistent with esophageal constriction
What is the treatment of choice for a PRAA? What is the approach made?
Ligation and surgical division of the compressive left ligamentum arteriosum via a left fourth intercostal thoracotomy or via a thoracoscopic approach.
How many primordial embryonic arches are there?
6
In an adult which primordial embryonic arches remain in original form?
3, 4, 6
What is the embryological cause of a PRAA?
The RIGHT 4th arch remains as the aorta (not the left)
What would prevent correction of a PRAA via a left lateral thoracotomy?
Concurrent presence of a L Cr vena cava
Clinical signs of a PRAA (5)
- Postprandial regurgitation
- Poor growth
- Malnourishment despite a good appetite
- Signs of aspiration pneumonia (e.g. coughing, pyrexia, dyspnoea)
- German Shepherd dogs and Irish Setters are overrepresented.
What diagnostic tests aid PRAA diagnosis?
- Serum haem and biocehm
- Plain thorax x rays
- Barium contrast study
- Angiogrpahy (MRI/CT)
- Oesophagoscopy
What is seen on haem/biochem with a PRAA?
Usually within normal limits, unless aspiration pneumonia or another comorbidity present.
What is seen on plain thorax x rays with a PRAA? (3)
Cranial oesophageal dilation
Identification of right descending aorta (which may also cause left tracheal deviation)
Aspiration pneumonia.
What is seen on barium contrast studies with a PRAA? (2)
Cranial oesophageal dilation
Oesophageal constriction at the level of the heart base.
What is seen on angiography (CT/MRI) with a PRAA?
Useful in identifying vascular ring anomaly.
What is seen on oesophagostomy with a PRAA? (2)
Aortic pulse on the right side of oesophagus
Extraluminal compression of oesophagus at level of heart base.
How successful is medical management of a PRAA?
Unrewarding because of progressive oesophageal dilation and regurgitation.
Prior to surgery of PRAA, what should be done? (2)
- Malnourished animals should be fed liquid food from a height (or via a gastrotomy tube)
- Aspiration pneumonia should be treated.
What needs to be monitored in surgery and in post op period? (think - age of patients)
Glucose
What is the surgical treatment including approach of a PRAA?
The treatment of choice is ligation and surgical division of the compressive left ligamentum arteriosum via a left fourth intercostal thoracotomy or via a thoracoscopic approach.
What else need to be divided in PRAA surgery which form under the ligamentum arteriosim?
Perioesophageal fibrous bands
What needs to be performed following PRAA surgery, but before routine closure of thoracotomy site?
Intraoperative oesophagoscopy and oesophageal balloon dilation should be performed to confirm that all the extraluminal oesophageal compression has been removed
Following PRAA surgery, what is critical in the post-op care?
Fed liquid diets from a height
What does post op prognosis of PRAA depend on (4)
- Presence of aspiration pneumonia
- Presence of oesophageal dysmotility, - Degree of oesophageal dilation
- Concurrent systemic debilitation.
What are complications of PRAA surgery? High light most common
- Persistent regurgitation **
- Haemorrhage
- Oesophageal perforation
- Fibrotic bands remaining and constricting the oesophagus
- Pain
- Perforation/penetration of the vascular structures or lungs.
What is the effect of age at time of PRAA surgery on outcome?
No effect