The cervical aortic arch anomaly.

Although the cervical aortic arch anomaly occurs rarely, it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulsatile masses in the neck. The eighteenth case of this anomaly is presented herein. Review of the previous literature demonstrates the consistent pattern of branching anomalies associated with the cervical aortic arch and indicates the complex nature of this anomaly. Studies of these patients in biplane (frontal and lateral), as well as the right posterior oblique projection in order to precisely define the order of branching, is recommended, particularly when surgical intervention is indicated.