Congenital vascular malformation in which the aorta arch and its branches encircle the trachea and esophagus. signs and symptoms include dyspnea; respiratory sounds, especially with eating, dysphagia, persistent cough, and gastroesophageal reflux or may be asymptomatic. two most common types are double aortic arch and right aortic arch. it may be associated with other anomalies (e.g., digeorge syndrome).