Vascular Rings

A healthcare provider may order some of the following tests to diagnose a vascular ring:

• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray produces pictures of the inside of your baby’s body. It’s often one of the first tests performed during the diagnosis process.
• CT scan: A CT scan takes pictures of internal structures, including your baby’s heart, trachea and esophagus.
• Echocardiogram: Also called an echo, an echocardiogram creates moving pictures of your baby’s heart and aorta.

The healthcare provider may order other tests to evaluate your (or your baby’s) trachea or esophagus, such as:

• Barium swallow (esophagogram): This test involves swallowing a substance called barium. X-rays show how the barium moves through your esophagus. The test can identify an indentation caused by a vascular ring.
• Bronchoscopy: For a bronchoscopy, a healthcare provider will place a tube through your mouth or nose into your lungs. The tube has a light and small camera so the healthcare provider can see inside your airways.
• Upper endoscopy: During an upper endoscopy, a tube goes through your mouth and into your throat. The small light and camera allow the healthcare provider to see inside your esophagus.