Prevalence of retro-esophageal right subclavian artery

Aims: To detect the prevalence of variant origin of subclavian artery and literature was reviewed to compare our results with previous studies. Clinical applications were analysed related to encountered variations. Material and Methods: Forty five Indian cadavers were dissected to study the mode of origin and length of subclavian arteries. Any variation in origin was encountered and studied in detail. Results: Out of 45, in one cadaver we encountered an anomalous origin of right subclavian artery from aortic arch distal to origin of left subclavian artery and coursed towards right behind oesophagus. Such an artery is called as Retroesophageal right subclavian artery (RRSA). Conclusion: The presence of RRSA is associated with a no of clinical entities, which must be diagnosed timely; otherwise it could lead to hazardous complications. If RRSA is diagnosed during investigations, corrective surgery should be considered

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