Asymptomatic aneurysm of the proximal right subclavian artery: a rare ultrasound diagnosis

[Subclavian artery aneurysms: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic decision-making]

The article deals with the relevant literature data concerning diagnosis and treatment of subclavian artery aneurysms. This nosological entity is relatively uncommon, however its importance for modern medicine should not be underestimated. Despite a low incidence of the pathology, it should be understood that the disease's course for the patient is associated with the development of severe complications which may lead to disability or even death. The development of complications is extremely difficult to predict and stratification of risks for such patients is too complicated. It is also known that the diagnosis of a subclavian artery aneurysm is frequently an accidental finding, since the pathology may for a long time proceed symptom-free. At the same time, the subclavian artery occupies the first place by the frequency of localization of upper-limb aneurysms, thus making this problem currently important. Besides, separate attention should be paid to modern methods of correction of this disease, since implementation of high-tech interventions into vascular surgery have significantly expanded the arsenal of the operating surgeon.

Dysphagie durch Aneurysma der A. subclavia

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia may be due to oral, pharyngeal or esophageal dysfunction and poses a frequent problem for the otolaryngologist. Motor disturbances, structural disorders, functional problems, congenital lesions and malignancies have to be excluded in an interdisciplinary diagnostic approach. Currently, vascular diseases play a minor role in the diagnosis of dysphagia.

CASE REPORT

A 70-year-old female presented with constant dysphagia and a foreign body feeling in the throat of about 2 months duration. Palpation and ultrasound revealed a tumor situated in the right supraclavicular region. The lesion was identified as a true aneurysm of the subclavian artery by digital subtraction angiography. Successful resection and reconstruction was accomplished using a PTFE graft.

DISCUSSION

Aneurysms of the subclavian artery are rare and in most cases related to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) or arteriosclerosis. It can be assumed that an increasingly aged population will present with an increasing incidence of diseases related to atherosclerosis. Moreover, the increasing incidence of specific infections may contribute to this phenomenon. This neglected disease should be included in the differential diagnosis when dealing with supraclavicular lesions, foreign body feeling or dysphagia.