A rare case of aortic arch variation complicated with multiple ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: Previous reports on aortic arch variations have emphasized on its cardiovascular significance. We present a case of a rare variation of aortic arch complicated with multiple ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS: This case report reviews the effects of the diameter of internal carotid artery of isolated origins on cerebral vessels.

RESULTS: The brachiocephalic trunk, left external carotid artery, left internal carotid artery, left vertebral artery, and the left subclavian artery originating from the aortic arch complicated with multiple ruptured intracranial aneurysms have not been reported.

CONCLUSIONS: Variation of the aortic arch may affect carotid and cerebral vessel structures as well as blood flow and is a potential risk factor for stroke. Third aortic arch degeneration, or dorsal aorta non-degeneration, is a potential embryologic mechanism for the absence of the left common carotid artery.