Aberrant right subclavian artery aneurysm: A rare entity

Abstract

Corresponding author: İhsan Alur, MD. Hisar Hastanesi Intercontinental Kalp ve Damar Cerrahisi Bölümü, 34768 Ümraniye, İstanbul, Turkey. Tel: +90 216 524 13 00 e-mail: alur_i@hotmail.com Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is the most frequent abnormality of the arch which accounts for 1% of the population.[1] In this abnormality, the right subclavian artery leaves the left part of the aortic arch as the final branch and progresses into the right axillary region through the posterior aspect of the esophagus (i.e., from left to the right). It often progresses between the esophagus and trachea or by the anterior aspect of the trachea.[2] This pathology is usually asymptomatic; however, it may lead to respiratory symptoms in children and difficulty in swallowing or a chronic cough in adults. In case of pressure on the esophagus, dysphagia lusoria may be observed. In case of an aneurysmatic widening of the aberrant subclavian artery in a segment close to the aorta, it is referred to as the Kommerell's diverticulum. This diverticulum may cause pressure on the tracheoesophageal region, leading to dissection/rupture due to excessive widening.[3,4] Herein, we present an 80-year-old male patient with an ARSA aneurysm.