Aberrant subclavian artery

Aberrant subclavian artery

Normal anatomical locations of right and left subclavian arteries
Classification and external resources
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 oesophagus on its way to the right upper extremity. Such course of this aberrant vessel may cause a vascular ring around the trachea and oesophagus. 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. It is alternatively known as lusorian artery.

Treatment

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

Images

References

  1. Kouchoukos NT, Masetti P (April 2007). "Aberrant subclavian artery and Kommerell aneurysm: surgical treatment with a standard approach". The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery 133 (4): 888–92. doi:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2006.12.005. PMID 17382621.