Asymptomatic pseudo-aneurysm of the aortic arch in a patient with aberrant right subclavian artery. A complication of Kommerell's diverticulum?

Abstract

Kommerell's diverticulum is an aortic arch deformity associated with an aberrant subclavian artery. Symptoms related to compression of adjacent structures, dilatation of the aortic diverticulum or accelerated atherosclerosis leading to increased risks of dissection and rupture represent the indications for surgical treatment. Several surgical strategies have been used for the management of this congenital abnormality. We present the case of a 56-year-old male with a pseudo-aneurysm of a left aortic arch adjacent to a Kommerell's diverticulum at the orifice of a left subclavian artery. The patient also presented an aberrant right subclavian artery originating from the posterior wall of the ecstatic take-off of the left subclavian artery. Our surgical strategy was limited to the resection of the aneurysm without any manipulation of the aortic diverticulum and aberrant right subclavian artery, as the wall of both aorta adjacent to the saccular aneurysm and left subclavian artery was normal, the Kommerell's diverticulum was small and the patient was asymptomatic.