Dysphagia lusoria: uncommon cause of dysphagia in children

Abstract

Dysphagia lusoria (lusus naturae, latin for "freak of nature") describes dysphagia because of vascular compression of the esophagus. Symptoms, when present, occur at the two extremes of life. Owing to the more flexible and compressible nature of the trachea, children usually present with respiratory symptoms, in contrast to adults, who more often present with dysphagia. Here, we report the case of a six-year-old child presenting with a history of progressive dysphagia without respiratory symptoms. A barium esophagogram showed a diagonal impression in the proximal esophagus, while at esophagogastroduodenoscopy there was an extrinsic pulsatile bulging area suggesting an extrinsic compression by an aberrant vessel. Angio-CT (computed tomography) scan confirmed the presence of an aberrant right subclavian artery.

Repair of Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery Causing Dysphagia Lusoria via Partial Median Sternotomy

“…In symptomatic children without a Kommerell diverticulum dietary modification with soft foods or smaller bites may be attempted if symptoms are mild, although this is controversial. 3 In our case, upon discussion at multidisciplinary case rounds, given the severity of symptoms and lack of another cause, the decision was to proceed with the operation.…”