Aberrant subclavian artery

Aberrant subclavian artery
Classification and external resources
Normal anatomical locations of right and left subclavian arteries
ICD-10	Q27.8
ICD-9	747.21

Aberrant subclavian artery, or aberrant subclavian artery syndrome refers to a rare anatomical variant of the origin of the right or left subclavian artery. This abnormality is the most common congenital vascular anomaly of the aortic arch.

Presentation

MR-angiography of aberrant subclavian artery

The aberrant artery usually arises just distal to the left subclavian artery and crosses in the posterior part of the mediastinum usually behind the esophagus on its way to the right upper extremity. Such course of this aberrant vessel may cause a vascular ring around the trachea and esophaugus. Dysphagia due to an aberrant right subclavian artery is termed dysphagia lusoria. Palsy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is termed Ortner's syndrome.

The aberrant right subclavian artery frequently arises from a dilated segment of the proximal descending aorta, the so-called Diverticulum of Kommerell.

Treatment

Surgery is sometimes used to treat the condition.^[1]

Images

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  Aberrant subclavian artery at axial CT-scan. (1) trachea, (2) esophagus, (3) Aberrant subclavian artery.

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  Aberrant right subclavian artery at angiography.

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  Tape-like impression of the esophagus caused by aberrant subclavian artery. Below (arrows) narrowing of the esophagus by a tumor that is causing the swallowing problems.

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  Aberrant subclavian artery seen at swallowing study: Impression of the esophagus from behind.

References