aortic arch syndrome, any of a group of occlusive conditions of the arch of the aorta, producing a variety of symptoms related to obstruction of the large branch arteries, including the brachiocephalic, left common carotid, and left subclavian. It may be caused by atherosclerosis, Takayasu’s arteritis, syphilis, and other conditions. Symptoms include syncope, temporary blindness, hemiplegia, aphasia, and memory loss.
