Aortic arch branch variations--case report and arteriographic analysis.

Objectives: Non-recognition of a critical aortic arch branch variation at surgery, with fatal consequences, prompted a retrospective analysis of the prevalence of aortic arch branch variations in the South African population.

Methods: Three hundred and twenty aortic arch angiograms were analysed from existing records (January 1988--March 1998) of the vascular unit, Department of Surgery, University of Natal.

Results: Aortic arch branch variations were observed in 17 cases (5.