RETROESOPHAGEAL RIGHT SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY

Abstract

Retroesophageal right subclavian artery is the most frequent congenital aortic arch abnormality. In this anomaly, the right subclavian artery arises from aortic arch distal to the left subclavian artery and passes behind trachea and esophagus. Symptoms occur when its aneurysmatic enlargement of proximal segment (Kommerell's diverticulum) compresses esophagus and trachea or if the artery is stenosed. We present three cases with symptomatic retroesophageal right subclavian artery. A 63-year-old female patient with Kommerell's diverticulum was presented pneumonia symptoms. A 41- year-old female patient was presented arm claudication, and a 46- year-old man was presented digital ischemia on his right hand. They were treated with antibiotherapy, caroticosubclavian bypass and vasodilator treatment respectively. Symptomatic retroesophageal subclavian artery anomaly is treated. Simple and easy surgical option should be preferred if surgery is indicated.

Keywords

• Aortic arch; congenital abnormalities; Kommerell'sdiverticulum; aneurysm; stenosis

RETROESOPHAGEAL RIGHT SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY

Abstract

Retroesophageal right subclavian artery is the most frequent congenital aortic arch abnormality. In this anomaly, the right subclavian artery arises from aortic arch distal to the left subclavian artery and passes behind trachea and esophagus. Symptoms occur when its aneurysmatic enlargement of proximal segment (Kommerell’s diverticulum) compresses esophagus and trachea or if the artery is stenosed. We present three cases with symptomatic retroesophageal right subclavian artery. A 63-year-old female patient with Kommerell’s diverticulum was presented pneumonia symptoms. A 41- year-old female patient was presented arm claudication, and a 46- year-old man was presented digital ischemia on his right hand. They were treated with antibiotherapy, caroticosubclavian bypass and vasodilator treatment respectively. Symptomatic retroesophageal subclavian artery anomaly is treated. Simple and easy surgical option should be preferred if surgery is indicated. 

Keywords

• Aortic arch,congenital abnormalities,Kommerell’s diverticulum,aneurysm

References

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