Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery C0265947
A congenital variation where a major blood vessel to the arm develops from an atypical location on the aorta. Most people have no symptoms, though some may experience swallowing difficulty.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- I78.0
- ICD-11
- BA00.0
- Body system
- cardiovascular
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Severe respiratory distress
Life-threatening breathing difficulty with stridor, cyanosis, and retractions due to significant tracheal compression from the aberrant artery.
This is a medical emergency. Call emergency services immediately if someone shows signs of severe respiratory distress.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
(gastrointestinal)A sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest, often occurring with solid foods, caused by compression of the esophagus by the aberrant artery.
Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Chronic cough
(respiratory)A persistent dry or productive cough that may be worsened by eating or drinking, resulting from tracheal irritation by the abnormal artery.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Wheezing or stridor
(respiratory)High-pitched breathing sounds caused by narrowing of the trachea or airway due to external compression from the aberrant artery.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Regurgitation
(gastrointestinal)Bringing up swallowed food or liquid back into the mouth without forceful vomiting, caused by esophageal obstruction.
Frequency: 25-35% of patients
Chest discomfort
(cardiovascular)Pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest that may radiate to the neck or arm, related to vascular compression.
Frequency: 15-20% of patients
Hoarseness (dysphonia)
(neurologic)Changes in voice quality including hoarseness, breathlessness, or vocal fatigue due to compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Shortness of breath
(respiratory)Difficulty breathing or feeling winded, which may worsen with physical activity or when lying down, caused by tracheal compression.
Frequency: 5-10% of patients
Weight loss or failure to thrive
(gastrointestinal)Unintended weight loss in adults or poor growth in children due to chronic difficulty eating and swallowing.
Frequency: 5-10% of patients
Vomiting
(gastrointestinal)Forceful expulsion of stomach contents, which may be persistent in severe cases of esophageal obstruction.
Frequency: 1-3% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Disease management and monitoring
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Regular imaging surveillance
Periodic monitoring with ultrasound or CT angiography to track the artery's course and detect any compression or complications. Most asymptomatic cases require only observation without intervention.
Symptomatic medication management
Use of anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants to manage dysphagia or compression symptoms when they occur. Treatment is tailored to specific symptoms presenting.
Additional treatment options
Dietary modifications
Soft food diet and eating upright to minimize dysphagia symptoms caused by esophageal compression. Small, frequent meals can reduce discomfort during swallowing.
lifestyleVascular reconstructive surgery
Surgical relocation or reimplantation of the aberrant artery for patients with significant symptoms or complications such as aneurysm formation or severe compression.
surgicalEndovascular intervention
Minimally invasive approach using stenting or coil embolization to address aneurysm complications or reduce compression symptoms in selected cases.
procedureWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery C0265947?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Hiratzka LF, Bakris GL, Beckman JA, et al. 2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Thoracic Aortic Disease. Circulation. 2010;121(13):e266-e369.
Fraser CD Jr, Carberry KE. Vascular rings. In: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 20th ed. Elsevier; 2017:1841-1860.
Backer CL, Mavroudis C. Congenital anomalies of the aortic arch. In: Pediatric Cardiac Surgery. 4th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2013:245-278.
Kannan BR, Jain RP, сравнительное исследование методов диагностики и лечения аберрантной правой подключичной артерии. Cardiology in the Young. 2003;13(5):439-448.
Al-Mashaqbeh OA, Shukri SA, Al-Rawabdeh AM, et al. A systematic review of aberrant subclavian artery: prevalence, anatomical variations, and surgical outcomes. J Vasc Surg. 2022;76(3):865-876.
American Heart Association. Guidelines for the management of congenital heart disease in children and adults. Circulation. 2020;142(8):e1-e100.
Keane JF, Fyler DC, editors. Nadas' Pediatric Cardiology. 2nd ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2006:567-590.
Polguj M, Chrzanowski L, Kasprzak JD, et al. The aberrant right subclavian artery (arteria lusoria): morphological analysis and clinical implications. Folia Morphol (Warsz). 2014;73(4):469-480.
European Society of Cardiology. ESC Guidelines for the management of grown-up congenital heart disease. Eur Heart J. 2020;41(43):4151-4204.
Radiopaedia. Aberrant right subclavian artery. Radiopaedia.org. Updated 2023.
Medication Comparisons
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy