Article Overview

In this article (appended) we describe the case of a surgically treated aneurysm of an aberrant right subclavian artery. The historical literature to date is summarized, as are the key concepts relating to the anatomy, embryology, diagnosis, and treatment of this uncommonly occurring entity.

 

Although the topic might be expected to be of concern only to a few specialists, all physicians (and patients) should be aware that an enlarging aneurysm of an aberrant subclavian artery may cause dyspnea (shortness of breath), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), or sudden collapse from rupture, as a manifestation of the disease process.

 

An asymptomatic patient may have a mediastinal mass detected by roentgenography.

 

The diagnosis may be confirmed with computed tomography with IV contrast or magnetic resonance imaging.

 

As with most aneurysms, surgical treatment is recommended and the benefit-to-risk analysis depends upon individual case factors, almost always heavily favoring surgical relief.

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