Dysphagia lusoria: A vascular etiology?

Abstract

Dysphagia lusoria is difficulty swallowing as a result of extrinsic esophageal compression by an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). We present the case of a 59-year-old patient with ARSA and history of chronic dysphagia. Vascular decompressive surgery was performed, but it failed to resolve his symptoms. Esophageal manometry indicated concomitant esophageal gastric junction outflow obstruction in the setting of a small hiatal hernia. Our case highlights the diagnostic dilemma surrounding dysphagia lusoria and identification of cases that should undergo surgical repair. Based on a thorough review of the literature and our case, we propose a complete foregut workup for possible other causes as potential etiologies of dysphagia prior to surgical treatment of dysphagia lusoria.