Type B interrupted aorta in an adult patient.

INTRODUCTION Interrupted aortic arch is a rare congenital malformation characterized by a complete loss of luminal continuity between the ascending and descending aorta. It is often diagnosed during the neonatal period. CASE PRESENTATION We presented a 51-year-old male patient with interrupted aortic arch type B who was treated successfully with posterolateral thoracotomy without using cardiopulmonary bypass. CONCLUSION The prognosis for interrupted aortic arch depends on the associated congenital anomalies, but the outcome is usually very poor unless there is surgical treatment. Survival into adulthood depends on the development of collateral circulation.