Complex Hybrid Repair of an Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery With Rapidly Developing Kommerell's Diverticulum

Abstract

Introduction: An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is an aortic anomaly that, in some cases, can be complicated with Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) at the origin of the ARSA. Progression and rupture of KD are associated with high mortality. Timely intervention is therefore required; however, there are no clinical guidelines for the most suitable intervention.

Report: A 50 year old, previously healthy, male patient developed dysphagia. He was diagnosed with an aberrant right subclavian artery and KD. The KD increased in size from 4 - 7 cm within 2 months. He underwent single stage hybrid aortic repair involving an aortic valve replacement, total aortic arch debranchment, two thoracic endovascular aortic repair stents, and subclavian plugs. He developed a stroke during the post-operative period; however, all neurological symptoms had disappeared at 6 months and computed tomography showed no endoleaks and all supraortic vessels were open.

Discussion: Literature on KD is limited; therefore, there is no consensus on KD treatment. Increasing awareness of rapidly developing KD will add to current knowledge of the disease. One stage cardiac and non-cardiac surgery was successfully performed with no long term complications.

Keywords: Aberrant right subclavian artery; Aortic arch repair; Arteria lusoria; Kommerell diverticulum.