Lusoria artery
The arteria lusoria ( lat. Lusorius: game ... ) is an atypical course of the arteria subclavia dextra (right subclavian artery), see also branchial arch artery (fourth branchial arch). Instead of the brachiocephalic trunk (arm-head-vascular trunk, right) it arises from the aortic arch and runs behind, rarely in front of the esophagus to the right to its supply area. This malformation is typically associated with an atypical course of the vocal cord nerves.
This anatomical variety can become noticeable as dysphagia lusoria (swallowing disorder caused by this type of artery). The pressure of the artery on the esophagus can rarely lead to pain behind the breastbone, vomiting, possibly also to a wheezing sound and a rise in pulse. In adults, new swallowing difficulties in the presence of an arteria lusoria can only be ascribed to this anatomical variant in the rarest of cases, but they have other causes (e.g. tumor , reflux disease ). Usually this variety is only noticed by chance, e.g. B. in a computed tomography of the thorax. Difficult breathing when drinking can rarely be observed in the infant.
Typical image of a lusoria artery in computed tomography. (1) Trachea, (2) Esophagus, behind (3) A. lusoria arising from the aortic arch.
Arteria lusoria in the swallowing examination : impression of the esophagus from behind.
Ribbon-like impression of the esophagus by the arteria lusoria. Below (arrows) constriction of the esophagus due to a tumor, which is the cause of the difficulty swallowing.
Arteria lusoria in MR angiography, MIP. Animated GIF, 4.26 MB.
literature
- Roland C. Bittner , Reinhard Roßdeutscher: Guideline Radiology. Indication, diagnosis, work technique, differential diagnosis. G. Fischer, Stuttgart et al. 1996, ISBN 3-437-41210-8 .
