EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine

Background: Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), also known as arteria lusoria, is a rare vascular anomaly that can compress adjacent structures such as the esophagus or trachea, leading to symptoms like dysphagia or dyspnea. It is often asymptomatic and incidentally discovered on imaging.

Case Presentation: We report the case of a 27-year-old woman with a well-controlled history of asthma who presented with worsening shortness of breath and progressive dysphagia. Initial treatment targeted a presumed asthma exacerbation. However, persistent symptoms led to further investigation. Chest computed tomography revealed an aberrant right subclavian artery with a retroesophageal course, compressing the esophagus. No other aortic arch anomalies were identified. The patient declined surgical treatment and opted for conservative management after multidisciplinary discussion.

Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of ARSA in young adults, especially when its presentation mimics common respiratory conditions. Cross-sectional imaging plays a pivotal role in identifying the underlying vascular cause of dysphagia and dyspnea.

 Keywords: Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery; Dysphagia Lusoria; Asthma; Vascular Anomaly; Computed Tomography

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3. Nasser M., et al. “Aberrant right subclavian artery: case report and literature review”. Jornal Vascular Brasileiro 22 (2023): e20210151.