Eur J Anat, 11 (1): 57-60 (2007)

Retroesophageal right subclavian artery: A case report and a review of literature

Menegotto Donadel M., Bentancor Lontra M., Totti Cavazzola L., Otavio Corso C.

Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Rua 24 de Outubro 1281, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 90510-003, Brazil

ABSTRACT We report a case of a rare anatomical anomaly of the retroesophageal right subclavian artery (RRSA) post-mortem. The subclavian arteries may vary in their origin, course or length. The right retroesophageal subclavian artery is a frequent defect of the embryological aortic arches. This variation is due to interruption of the fourth right aortic arch between the notches for the common carotid artery and the subclavian artery while the left fourth arch remains intact. A regression of proximal portion of the right subclavian artery occurs and the retroesophageal aortic arch persists.

Keywords: adult, aorta arch, artery malformation, article, autopsy, cadaver, case report, common carotid artery, human, human tissue, male, medical literature, subclavian artery