Aberrant subclavian artery: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Aberrant subclavian artery
| image          = [[File:Arteria_lusoria_MRA_MIP-03_-_Annotated.jpg|thumb|right|MRA image showing an aberrant subclavian artery]]
| caption        = MRA image showing an aberrant subclavian artery
| synonyms        = Arteria lusoria
| pronunciation  =
| specialty      = [[Vascular surgery]], [[Cardiology]]
| symptoms        = [[Dysphagia]], [[chest pain]], [[dyspnea]]
| complications  = [[Aneurysm]], [[dissection]]
| onset          = Congenital
| duration        = Lifelong
| types          =
| causes          = Developmental anomaly
| risks          =
| diagnosis      = [[Imaging studies]] such as [[CT scan]], [[MRI]], [[angiography]]
| differential    =
| prevention      =
| treatment      = [[Surgical intervention]]
| medication      =
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| frequency      = 0.5-2% of the population
| deaths          = Rare
}}
{{Short description|Anatomical variant of the subclavian artery}}
{{Short description|Anatomical variant of the subclavian artery}}



Latest revision as of 22:01, 3 April 2025

Aberrant subclavian artery
MRA image showing an aberrant subclavian artery
Synonyms Arteria lusoria
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Vascular surgery, Cardiology
Symptoms Dysphagia, chest pain, dyspnea
Complications Aneurysm, dissection
Onset Congenital
Duration Lifelong
Types
Causes Developmental anomaly
Risks
Diagnosis Imaging studies such as CT scan, MRI, angiography
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment Surgical intervention
Medication
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency 0.5-2% of the population
Deaths Rare


Anatomical variant of the subclavian artery


Aberrant Subclavian Artery[edit]

An aberrant subclavian artery is a rare anatomical variant of the subclavian artery, which is one of the major arteries supplying blood to the upper limb. This condition is also known as "arteria lusoria" and is the most common congenital vascular anomaly of the aortic arch.

Anatomy[edit]

In a typical anatomical configuration, the subclavian arteries branch off from the brachiocephalic trunk on the right side and directly from the aortic arch on the left side. However, in the case of an aberrant subclavian artery, the right subclavian artery arises as the last branch of the aortic arch, distal to the left subclavian artery. It then courses behind the esophagus to reach the right arm.

Embryology[edit]

The aberrant subclavian artery results from the abnormal regression of the fourth aortic arch during embryonic development. Normally, the right fourth aortic arch contributes to the formation of the right subclavian artery. In the case of an aberrant subclavian artery, the right fourth aortic arch regresses, and the artery develops from the right seventh intersegmental artery, leading to its aberrant course.

Clinical Significance[edit]

While many individuals with an aberrant subclavian artery are asymptomatic, some may experience symptoms due to compression of surrounding structures. This condition can lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) when the artery compresses the esophagus, a condition known as "dysphagia lusoria." Other potential symptoms include chest pain, cough, and dyspnea (difficulty breathing).

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of an aberrant subclavian artery is often made incidentally during imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for other reasons. Barium swallow studies can also reveal the characteristic indentation on the esophagus caused by the aberrant artery.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment is generally not required for asymptomatic individuals. However, in symptomatic cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options include revascularization procedures to reposition the artery or relieve compression on the esophagus.

Related Pages[edit]