"Bovine Arch" - Researching Another Aortic Mystery

Normal arch

More to the Aortic Mystery?
There are so many things not well understood about bicuspid aortic valve in individuals and families. Are there other aortic clues, beyond the abnormal aortic valve, that may be markers, important clues to aid in understanding each person? It is possible that one of those clues may be the aortic arch.

 "Bovine" Aortic Arch - Similar to Cows?
The aortic arch is the curve of the "candy cane".  There are three arteries that branch off from this curve delivering  blood to the head and upper body. Each of these arteries normally branch directly from the aorta, and each artery has its own separate opening, as pictured in the drawing on the right.

However, physicians have noticed that in some people their arch vessels are different. In medicine, the term "bovine arch" has been used to describe these differences.

Variation of the Arch Branches in People - Not Like Cows After All!
Bovine refers to cows, however, this is not an accurate description of what is seen in humans! The variation of arch branches in humans is not the same as that found in cows. Somehow, the name has persisted, although it is not accurate.

Here is a link to a paper that describes the "bovine arch" in more detail.

Bovine Aortic Arch Variant in Humans: Clarification of a Common Misnomer

For those who want to know whether or not they have a "bovine" aortic arch, it can be seen through CT and MRI scans, and may be described in the written reports of those tests. It is something which may be discussed with physicians in reviewing test results.

Please Support the Search for Answers
Those of us who volunteer with BAF know that the bovine arch is present in our families. We are very interested in understanding if this is also a useful marker, another malformation of the aorta that should be noted and understood more fully.

Some family members appear to have "normal" three-leaflet aortic valves, yet they develop aneurysms, "electrical" heart issues, and other issues in their bodies. They also have the bovine aortic arch. There is a great deal to explore further in the quest for answers and help.

The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation is supporting an effort to gather data about the arch variations present in those with bicuspid aortic valves. During these last days of 2018, looking forward to the new year to come, we invite you to join with us by supporting our search for answers. Your donations make this search for answers possible.

Online donations may be made through our MightyCause page.

Above all,

 we encourage everyone

to seek knowledge,

 to ask questions,

 and to never stop learning

 about bicuspid aortic valves and thoracic aortic disease. 

This is how lives are saved,

Creating a Climate of Hope,

~Arlys Velebir

                         Bicuspid Aortic Foundation