Unexpected Postoperative Remodeling of a Retroesophageal Descending Aorta After Neonatal Arch Reconstruction.

CASE SUMMARY: A neonate with an interrupted aortic arch type A underwent successful neonatal arch reconstruction. Preoperative computed tomography demonstrated a retroesophageal descending aorta coursing on the right side of the vertebral body. Follow-up imaging 8 months after surgery unexpectedly demonstrated complete relocation of the descending aorta to the left side of the vertebral body. An altered aortic course was confirmed by catheter angiography. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Postoperative remodeling of the retroesophageal descending aorta may occur after neonatal arch reconstruction and should be recognized during postoperative imaging assessment.