A Tight Spot

An aberrant right subclavian artery in a 63-year-old male cadaver

“…Patients with an ARSA that arises from the Kommerell diverticulum are also more susceptible to the development of an aneurysm [30]. The rupture of the said aneurysm is a life-threatening complication, and therefore, early detection is very important.…”

“…The surgical treatment of a symptomatic aberrant subclavian artery consists of both endovascular and surgical treatments. A surgical approach to a symptomatic ARSA consists of dissection of the vessel and end-to-end anastomosis to the unilateral carotid artery [30]. However, Morris et al presented a hybrid technique using both an endovascular approach with the use of an Amplatzer plug, and a surgical carotid subclavian bypass procedure to treat patients with an ARSA and dysphagia lusoria [18].…”

“…However, when symptoms are present, they usually consist of dysphagia, chest pain, hemoptysis, and hoarseness, among others [30]. Puri et al described the symptoms, when present, as manifesting at two extremes of life [26].…”