Abstract. Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a rare anomaly, in which the right subclavian artery arises directly from the aortic arch instead of originating from the brachiocephalic artery. This anomaly should be taken into consideration during surgical procedures around esophagus, such as esophagectomy.

What are the symptoms of an aberrant right subclavian artery?

The most commonly reported symptoms related to compression of adjacent structures by aberrant right subclavian artery (arteria lusoria) were dysphagia (71.2%), dyspnea (18.7%), retrosternal pain (17.0%), cough (7.6%), and weight loss greater than 10 kg over a 6-month period (5.9%).

How rare is aberrant right subclavian artery?

Aberrant right subclavian artery (also known as Arteria Lusoria) is the most common congenital anomaly of the aortic arch occurring in 0.5% to 1.8% of the population based on cadaveric studies.

What is dysphagia Lusoria?

Dysphagia lusoria is a term used to describe dysphagia as a consequence of vascular compression of the oesophagus. Bayford coined the term itself meaning “freak or jest of nature” in 1761 in describing a case of longstanding dysphagia leading to emaciation and eventual death of a 62-year old female patient.

Is ARSA life threatening?

Any unintentional injury of this artery during surgical procedures could be extremely life threatening.

Is aberrant right subclavian artery a heart defect?

Rarer congenital malformations of the aortic arch. Causes compression of the trachea or esophagus causing dysphagia. May occur simultaneously with an ostium secundum atrial septal defect. Both conditions repaired simultaneously via Median Sternotomy.

How is aberrant subclavian artery treated?

A muscle-sparing right thoracotomy was used in the pediatric patients, and a supraclavicular approach was used in the adult. Patients were treated successfully by division of the aberrant right subclavian artery and translocation to the right common carotid artery, without graft interposition.

Can aberrant right subclavian artery be cured?

Indeed, adult patients who have an aberrant subclavian artery uncomplicated by aneurysm or aortic involvement can undergo successful operative repair via a single-incision supraclavicular approach. In our literature review, we found that this technique was generally used in adult patients.

Is aberrant right subclavian artery hereditary?

Although the diagnosis of an aberrant right subclavian artery is beginning to be used as a sonographic marker of aneuploidy and congenital heart defects, the etiology of this vascular abnormality could be related to genetic disorders.

Is ARSA hereditary?

There seems to be a genetic component in ARSA. Genetic counseling can help to determine your individual risk of recurrence, which depends on whether a cause for the ARSA was found in the first place as well as your age and other factors.

What does it mean when you have a blockage in your artery?

It means the artery is completely blocked. This occurs in 15% to 20% of patients who have heart disease. Sometimes there has been a complete blockage for many months or even years. However, only about 3% to 5% of these patients undergo a stent or bypass procedure, so there’s a real need to help these untreated patients.

What does it mean when a boulder is blocking your arteries?

In cardiology, the boulder is called a Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO). It means the artery is completely blocked. This occurs in 15% to 20% of patients who have heart disease.

What are the complications of clogged arteries?

The most concerning complications of clogged arteries are heart attack and stroke. A heart attack can occur when there is blockage in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. When a blockage affects the brain, this is called an ischemic stroke.

How do you unblock a clogged artery in the neck?

Clearing clogged arteries in the neck. Balloon angioplasty appears to be just as good as surgery to unblock carotid arteries. Opening a blocked heart artery with a balloon and then propping it open with a wire-mesh stent has become a near-equal partner with bypass surgery for restoring blood flow to the heart.