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When does an aberrant right subclavian artery create a vascular ring?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2026

Nicola Boyd
Affiliation:
Fetal Cardiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Elisabeth Seidl-Mlczoch
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Laura Vazquez-Garcia
Affiliation:
Fetal Cardiology, Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, UK Fetal Cardiology & Paediatric Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, UK
Jane Bromilow
Affiliation:
Paediatric & Fetal Cardiology, University Hospital of Wales, UK
Julene Carvalho
Affiliation:
Fetal Cardiology & Paediatric Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, UK Fetal Cardiology, St George’s Hospital, UK Cardiovascular and Genomics Research Institute, University of London, UK
Victoria Jowett*
Affiliation:
Fetal Cardiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK
*
Corresponding author: Victoria Jowett; Email: victoria.jowett@gosh.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

To describe the rare combination of findings where a left aortic arch and aberrant right subclavian artery are associated with a vascular ring, which is in the setting of a right-sided arterial duct.

Methods:

Analysis of all prenatally diagnosed cases of left aortic arch and right-sided arterial duct (between 2016 and 2025) at three fetal cardiac centres (2 UK and 1 Austrian) with documentation of aortic arch branching pattern.

Results:

In 5/6 cases, aberrant right subclavian artery was identified. Genetic abnormality was identified in 50% of cases (22q11 microdeletion). Three fetuses had a ventricular septal defects, and two cases had vascular abnormalities (with further characterisation on postnatal CT). No fetuses had extracardiac abnormalities.

Conclusion:

Left aortic arch with aberrant right subclavian artery is not uncommon in the general population but when associated with other abnormalities may also be a marker for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. If not fully understood, patients may be incorrectly counselled regarding the likelihood of respiratory and swallowing symptoms of a vascular ring. An understanding of the circumstances in which a ring can arise is needed. Our study adds to the limited published data on this condition, with a view to improving clinician understanding and guiding accurate prenatal counselling.

Information

Type
Original Article
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press
Figure 0

Figure 1. (a) Left aortic arch, left arterial duct, normal right subclavian artery; (b) left aortic arch, left arterial duct, aberrant right subclavian artery; (c) left aortic arch, right arterial duct, normal right subclavian artery; (d) left aortic arch, right arterial duct, aberrant right subclavian artery. Ao = Aortic Arch; Duct = Arterial Duct; T = Trachea; E = Oesophagus; ARSA = Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery; RSCA = Right Subclavian Artery.

Figure 1

Table 1. Summary of cases with left aortic arch, right arterial duct, and aberrant right subclavian arteryTable 1 long description.

Figure 2

Table 2. Summary of current literature detailing prenatal diagnosis of LAA with RADTable 2 long description.

Figure 3

Figure 2. Images obtained from transabdominal ultrasound scan of case 2 at 21 + 0 weeks of gestation. (a) Image showing LAA and RAD encircling trachea; (b) dual image: 2D and colour image shows the LAA and ARSA; (c) dual image showing 2D and colour images of the U-shaped configuration of the RAD coursing posteriorly around the right side of the trachea to meet the left-sided aortic arch before it descends to the left of the spine; (d) single colour image showing the relationship of the LAA, MPA continuing in to the RAD and the distal course of the ARSA after it has passed behind the trachea. HB = Head Below; LAA = Left Aortic Arch; ARSA = Aberrant Right Subclavian artery; RAD = Right Arterial Duct; MPA = Main Pulmonary Artery; T = Trachea.

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