Fetal Aberrant Subclavian Artery (ARSA): flow dynamics and its impact on fetal development assessed by doppler ultrasonography

TL;DR

This study finds that a specific fetal artery variation does not affect blood flow or development.

Contribution

The study demonstrates that isolated ARSA is a harmless anatomical variant with no impact on fetal hemodynamics.

Findings

No significant differences in Doppler parameters were found between ARSA and control fetuses.

ARSA does not correlate with gestational age or fetal weight.

Isolated ARSA is a benign condition without adverse effects on fetal growth.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the hemodynamic characteristics of fetuses with isolated Aberran Right Subclavian Artery (ARSA) and compare them with a control group of normal fetuses using Doppler ultrasonography.

A total of 93 fetuses were included in this prospective case-control study. Forty fetuses with isolated ARSA and 53 control fetuses with normal right subclavian arteries were analyzed. Doppler ultrasonographic parameters (Peak Systolic Velocity (PS), Pulsatility Index (PI), Resistive Index (RI), Time-Averaged Maximum Velocity (TAMAX), Heart Rate (HR)) were assessed and compared between the two groups.

No significant differences were found in the Doppler parameters (PS, PI, RI, TAMAX, HR) between the ARSA and control groups. Furthermore, there was no correlation between gestational age, fetal weight, and Doppler parameters in either group.

The study supports the hypothesis that isolated ARSA is a benign anatomical variant without significant hemodynamic impact on fetal development. ARSA cases without associated cardiac or chromosomal anomalies do not appear to affect fetal growth.

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