# A Case of Interrupted Aortic Arch in an Adult: An Unsuspected Cause of Uncontrolled Hypertension

## TL;DR

A 28-year-old man with uncontrolled hypertension was found to have an interrupted aortic arch, a rare condition that can cause high blood pressure.

## Contribution

This case highlights interrupted aortic arch as a rare but important cause of uncontrolled hypertension in adults.

## Key findings

- Interrupted aortic arch was diagnosed in a 28-year-old with long-standing hypertension.
- Chest radiography revealed inferior rib notching, leading to further imaging confirmation.
- The case suggests IAA should be considered in adults with refractory hypertension.

## Abstract

In this paper, we describe an incidentally discovered case of interrupted aortic arch in a 28-year-old male patient with a history of long-standing poorly controlled hypertension. The patient presented to the hospital with a complaint of upper respiratory complaints and long-standing chest pain. A plain chest radiograph was requested to exclude a diagnosis of pneumonia, and the radiography spotted an incidental finding of inferior rib notching. A subsequent CT angiography was done for further characterization, and a diagnosis of interrupted aortic arch was confirmed. Therefore, although rare, IAA should be considered in adults with refractory hypertension or unexplained congestive heart failure.