Associated congenital anomalies and genetic anomalies in fetuses with isolated and non-isolated aberrant right subclavian artery

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2023 Dec;36(1):2211705. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2211705.

Abstract

Objective: This study's aim was to determine the prevalence of chromosomal anomalies in fetuses with isolated and non-isolated aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) and to evaluate its association with other congenital anomalies.

Methods: From September 2018 to October 2021, 668 ARSA cases were diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound in our hospital; cases with missed visits and a lack of chromosomal findings were excluded and 363 cases were eligible for enrollment. General information, ultrasound presentation, chromosomal findings and pregnancy outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Among the 363 cases, 296 were isolated, and 67 were associated with structural abnormalities or soft marker abnormalities. The proportion of fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities in the isolated ARSA group was significantly lower than that in the non-isolated ARSA group (p < .001). In the non-isolated ARSA group, 22 cases were combined with other soft marker abnormalities and 45 cases were combined with structural abnormalities. The most frequent structural abnormality coexisting with ARSA was cardiac malformations (38.81%).

Conclusion: The most common combined malformation in ARSA is intracardiac malformation. Isolated ARSA has a low risk of chromosomal abnormalities, so invasive chromosomal testing is not recommended. Non-isolated ARSA has a high incidence of chromosomal abnormalities, so early karyotyping should be recommended.

Keywords: Aberrant right subclavian artery; congenital anomalies; fetal; genetic anomalies.

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Aberrations
  • Down Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Fetus
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / epidemiology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal

Supplementary concepts

  • Aberrant subclavian artery