Dysphagia lusoria: a late onset presentation

World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Apr 21;19(15):2433-6. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i15.2433.

Abstract

Dysphagia lusoria is a term used to describe dysphagia secondary to vascular compression of the oesophagus. The various embryologic anomalies of the arterial brachial arch system often remain unrecognised and asymptomatic, but in 30%-40% of cases can result in tracheo-oesophageal symptoms, which in the majority of cases manifest as dysphagia. Diagnosis of dysphagia lusoria is via barium swallow and chest Computed tomography scan. Manometric abnormalities are variable, but age-related manometric changes may contribute to clinically relevant dysphagia lusoria in patients who present later in life. Our report describes a case of late-onset dysphagia secondary to a right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery, which represents a rare variant of dysphagia lusoria. The patient had proven additional oesophageal dysmotility with solid bolus only and a clinical response to dietary modification.

Keywords: Dysmotility; Dysphagia; Dysphagia Lusoria; Endoscopy; Oesophagus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aneurysm / diagnosis*
  • Aneurysm / pathology
  • Cardiovascular Abnormalities / diagnosis*
  • Cardiovascular Abnormalities / pathology
  • Deglutition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Deglutition Disorders / pathology
  • Endoscopy
  • Esophageal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Esophagus / pathology
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Manometry
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Subclavian Artery / abnormalities*
  • Subclavian Artery / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Supplementary concepts

  • Aberrant subclavian artery