Kommerell's diverticulum and right-sided aortic arch: a cohort study and review of the literature

Two-Stage Hybrid Repair in a Patient with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Associated with Right Aortic Arch with Aberrant Left Subclavian Artery Originating from a Kommerell Diverticulum

Right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery and Kommerell diverticulum are rare anomalies. A 42-year-old man was referred with sudden-onset chest pain. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a right aortic arch with early thrombosed acute type A aortic dissection and an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a Kommerell diverticulum. Medical therapy was instituted; however, follow-up CT revealed an ulcer-like projection. The patient was managed with a two-stage hybrid procedure comprising total arch replacement and endovascular repair and experienced no postoperative complications. Two-stage hybrid repair is a safe and effective surgical option for rare complex aortic anomalies.

Single-Stage Total Arch Replacement Including Resection of Kommerell Diverticulum in a Patient With Loeys-Dietz Syndrome

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is an autosomal dominant genetic connective tissue disorder associated with aortic aneurysmal disease. Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is a rare aortic diverticulum, for which the indication for surgery and the surgical techniques remain subjects of debate. We describe our experience with a successful total aortic arch replacement including KD resection through a median sternotomy for a pediatric patient with LDS.

Successful Conservative Treatment of a Kommerell Aneurysm Associated With Right-Sided Aortic Arch

Right-side aortic arch is a rare congenital aortic anomaly occurring in 0.05% to 0.1% of the general population. Approximately, half of these cases may be associated with an aberrant left subclavian artery and occasionally with aneurysmatic change at its origin known as Kommerell diverticulum or aneurysm (KA). Herein we report a challenging case of a right-side aortic arch associated with KA incidentally observed in a 73-year-old male with metastatic lung cancer. After careful multidisciplinary discussion, a conservative strategy of care was successfully adopted.

Off-pump Kommerell's diverticulum resection and descending aorta replacement

We report the case of an unusual variation of a Kommerell's diverticulum in a left aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery, associated with dilatation of the distal aortic arch, surgically treated without the use of extracorporeal circulation.

Multidetector Computed Tomography for Congenital Anomalies of the Aortic Arch: Vascular Rings

The development of multidetector computed tomography has triggered a revolution in the study of the aorta and other large vessels and has replaced angiography in the diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the aortic arch, particularly vascular rings. The major advantage of multidetector computed tomography is that it permits clear 3-dimensional assessment of not only vascular structures, but also airway and esophageal compression. The current update aims to summarize the embryonic development of the aortic arch and the developmental anomalies leading to vascular ring formation and to discuss the current diagnostic and therapeutic role of multidetector computed tomography in this field.

Frozen elephant trunk reconstruction for right-sided aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery and aneurysm of the descending aorta: a case report

Background

A 59-year old man being investigated for back pain was found to have aneurysmal dilatation of a right-sided aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta together with an aberrant left subclavian artery.

Case Presentation

He underwent repair of this utilising the frozen elephant trunk technique, which dealt with all three pathologies in one-stage. He made an unremarkable recovery and was discharged home on the 8th post-operative day.

Conclusions

This case report further demonstrates the flexibility and safety of the frozen elephant trunk in dealing with complex aortic pathology as a single-stage procedure.

A review of the surgical management of right-sided aortic arch aneurysms

Aneurysms and dissections of the right-sided aortic arch are rare and published data are limited to a few case reports and small series. The optimal treatment strategy of this entity and the challenges associated with their management are not yet fully investigated and conclusive. We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify all patients who underwent surgical or endovascular intervention for right aortic arch aneurysms or dissections. The search was limited to the articles published only in English. We focused on presentation and critically assessed different management strategies and outcomes. We identified 74 studies that reported 99 patients undergoing surgical or endovascular intervention for a right aortic arch aneurysm or dissection. The median age was 61 years. The commonest presenting symptoms were chest or back pain and dysphagia. Eighty-eight patients had an aberrant left subclavian artery with only 11 patients having the mirror image variant of a right aortic arch. The commonest pathology was aneurysm arising from a Kommerell's diverticulum occurring in over 50% of the patients. Twenty-eight patients had dissections, 19 of these were Type B and 9 were Type A. Eighty-one patients had elective operations while 18 had emergency procedures. Sixty-seven patients underwent surgical treatment, 20 patients had hybrid surgical and endovascular procedures and 12 had totally endovascular procedure. There were 5 deaths, 4 of which were in patients undergoing emergency surgery and none in the endovascular repair group. Aneurysms and dissections of a right-sided aortic arch are rare. Advances in endovascular treatment and hybrid surgical and endovascular management are making this rare pathology amenable to these approaches and may confer improved outcomes compared with conventional extensive repair techniques.

Repair of complicated type B dissection with an aberrant right subclavian artery

OBJECTIVES

An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is one of most common congenital anomalies, but the coexistence of type B dissection and an ARSA is extremely rare. Repair of type B dissection poses a technical challenge due to an ARSA. We retrospectively reviewed our experience of surgical treatment of a complicated type B dissection with an ARSA.

METHODS

From August 2010 to March 2014, 7 patients with chronic type B dissection with an ARSA underwent the stented elephant trunk procedure under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in our centre. The mean age was 45 ± 7 (range, 32-54) years. Total arch replacement was performed in 2 patients. Revascularization of the ARSA was done in 5 of 7 patients.

RESULTS

There were no in-hospital deaths. The mean time of mechanical ventilation and stay in the intensive care unit was 22 ± 11 and 53 ± 11 h, respectively. Neurological deficit, visceral ischaemia or injury to the spinal cord was not observed. Right upper-limb ischaemia was not observed in patients without ARRA revascularization during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients not undergoing descending aortic replacement, the stented elephant trunk method is our preferred procedure for this anomaly via a median sternotomy. Repair of type B dissection and revascularization of the ARSA were achieved in a single stage using this technique. Satisfactory surgical results and follow-up outcomes were obtained. There was no right upper-limb ischaemia or neurological deficit in patients without ARSA revascularization, but revascularization of the ARSA is recommended for this vessel anomaly.

Hybrid treatment of aortic dissection associated with Kommerell's diverticulum

This clinical case demonstrates a successful simultaneous approach for Type B aortic dissection in association with Kommerell's diverticulum using an E-vita OPEN PLUS Hybrid prosthesis. Computed tomography in the early postoperative period and after a 6-month follow-up showed favourable surgical outcomes.

Carotid Artery Stenting in Right-sided Aortic Arch: A Case Report

The present report describes a patient with pseudo-occlusion of the left internal carotid artery accompanied by aortic anomalies consisting of right-sided aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery arising from Kommerell’s diverticulum. Initial attempt of carotid artery stenting via the trans-femoral approach was unsuccessful because of low origin of the left common carotid artery. Therefore, carotid artery stenting (CAS) via the trans-brachial approach was successfully performed with distal balloon protection. Eight months later, the patient presented with restenosis of the left internal carotid artery, and CAS via the trans-brachial approach was performed again. CAS via the trans-brachial approach should be considered when standard femoral access is relatively contraindicated due to aortic anomalies consisting of a right-sided aortic arch.

Endovascular repair of a Kommerell diverticulum anomaly

A Kommerell diverticulum (KD) may predispose toward aortic aneurysm, dissection, or rupture, although they are primarily asymptomatic. We report a case of an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a KD in a right-side aortic arch. The lesions were successfully treated by an endovascular approach involving Amplatzer vascular plug embolization of the aberrant left subclavian artery and endovascular repair of the KD.

Asymptomatic aortic aneurysm causing right vocal cord palsy and hoarseness: A rare presentation

Vocal cord palsy (VCP) presenting as hoarseness of voice can be the first symptom of very serious and sinister common pathologies. But vocal cord palsy resulting from aortic aneurysm is a rare entity and still rarer is the right cord palsy due to aortic aneurysm. We are reporting a rare case in which a 52-year old male smoking for last 30 years having asymptomatic aortic aneurysm presented to us with hoarseness of voice. On Panendoscopy, no local pathology was found and CECT from base of skull to T12 was advised. CECT showed a large aneurysm involving ascending aorta and extending upto abdominal aorta with compression of the bilateral bronchi. CTVS consultation was sought and they advised for regular follow-up only. We are reporting this case to warn both the anaesthetist and the surgeon about the catastrophic complications if they are not alert in handling such cases.

Kommerell's diverticulum in the current era: a comprehensive review

Kommerell's diverticulum is a developmental error with a remnant of fourth dorsal aortic arch, named after Dr. Kommerell, a radiologist, who made the first diagnosis in a living individual. The diverticulum can occur in both the left and right aortic arch, from which an aberrant subclavian artery rises to the contralateral side. Pediatric patients often present with airway symptoms whereas dysphagia and chest discomfort are more common in the adult patients. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can provide details of the diverticulum, associated arch anomalies, and its relationship with surrounding organs. Recent histological studies indicated the presence of cystic medial necrosis in the diverticulum wall, which would explain the reported high rates of aortic dissection and rupture associated with the diverticulum. Accumulated knowledge on this entity and the recent advancement of imaging techniques, surgical/endovascular strategies, and perioperative management, have led to more aggressive intervention to the diverticulum in the early phase. While still under debate it is generally accepted to consider surgical intervention when the diameter of the diverticulum orifice exceeds over 30 mm, and/or the diameter of the descending aorta adjacent to the diverticulum exceeds over 50 mm. Treatment options include open surgical repair, hybrid endovascular repair, and total endovascular repair. The selection of treatment strategy for Kommerell's diverticulum should be based on the anatomy, comorbidities of the patient, and surgical expertise available. The summaries of open and endovascular repairs of over 210 cases from literature search from 2004 to 2014 are also provided in this review.

Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm associated with right-sided aortic arch: report of two cases

Right-sided aortic arch (RAA) is a rare congenital disorder. We describe herein two cases of thoracic aortic aneurysm with a right aortic arch and right-sided descending aorta treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). In one case, a 70-year-old man with Edwards type 1 RAA underwent TEVAR using a Relay stent-graft (Bolton Medical, Barcelona, Spain). In another case, a 72-year-old woman with Edwards type 3 RAA underwent TEVAR using a Kawasumi Najuta stent-graft (Kawasumi Laboratories, Inc., Tokyo, Japan) with the "buffalo horn chimney technique", our original method for left subclavian artery flow preservation. The postoperative courses were uneventful. Postoperative computed tomography showed complete exclusion of the aneurysm without endoleakage. Compared to conventional open surgical repair, TEVAR is challenging in patients with a RAA and right-sided descending aorta. However, our results showed that TEVAR might be feasible and a treatment option even in a patient with a RAA and right-sided descending aorta.

Surgical strategy for Kommerell’s diverticulum with aberrant subclavian artery

Background

Kommerell’s diverticulum is an extremely rare congenital aortic anomaly. Because of its rarity, the optimal surgical strategy for Kommerell’s diverticulum has not been established. In this study, we reviewed our experience of surgical correction of this anomaly.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2013, we managed 9 surgical cases of Kommerell’s diverticulum; 7 had a right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery, and 2 had a left aortic arch with an aberrant right subclavian artery. None of these patients had any symptom resulting from structural compression between the aneurysm and the aberrant subclavian artery. All patients underwent surgical treatment to prevent aneurysmal rupture. Six patients had replacement of the thoracic descending aorta and in-situ reconstruction of the aberrant subclavian artery through a right thoracotomy, and 3 underwent the same procedures through a left thoracotomy. Three different methods of extracorporeal circulation were applied, according to the anatomical features of each case.

Results

There was one hospital death. This patient developed severe cerebral infarction and died of multiple organ failure on the 65th postoperative day. There were no other major complications nor any need for rehospitalization.

Conclusion

Kommerell’s diverticulum should be treated using an optimal strategy based on each patient’s anatomical features and other characteristics.

Hybrid repair of a ruptured right-sided aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a diverticulum of Kommerell: a case report

Right-sided aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery is a rare aortic arch anomaly. Although usually asymptomatic, aneurysm formation, dissection, and rupture can occur due to the aberrant vasculature and can be life-threatening. Hybrid, endovascular techniques have been implemented in instances of elective repair of aneurysmal diverticula of Kommerell in similar anatomical settings, but little has been written regarding urgent cases of rupture. We report a case of ruptured right-sided aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a diverticulum of Kommerell successfully treated with hybrid aortic debranching and thoracic endovascular aortic stenting.

Successful surgical exclusion of rapidly expanding kommerell diverticulum following a total arch replacement for an acute type a aortic dissection

A 50-year-old man presented with an acute type A aortic dissection with an aberrant right subclavian artery. Emergent total arch replacement with an elephant trunk was performed. Intraoperatively, the origin of the aberrant right subclavian artery could not be resected because it was located too far from the distal arch. After two weeks, the patient became aware of dysphagia. Postoperative computed tomography showed the esophagus was compressed anteriorly by the aneurismal origin of this aberrant vessel (Kommerell diverticulum) with a patent false lumen. Additional replacement of the descending aorta via left thoracotomy was performed immediately to exclude a Kommerell diverticulum.

Two cases of thoracic aortic aneurysm with right aortic arch: comparison of two operative strategies for hybrid thoracic endovascular repair

Hybrid TEVAR was performed in 2 patients with right aortic arch accompanied by Kommerell's diverticulum and aortic aneurysm. In patient 1, total debranch + TEVAR was performed with 1-stage median sternotomy. In patient 2, total arch replacement and insertion of a peripheral elephant trunk were performed first, followed by TEVAR. No endoleaks or aortic events were observed in either case during the observation period, and both patients had good postoperative clinical courses. We report our experience with two such cases that were treated with two different methods of hybrid TEVAR, and discuss the merits and demerits of each treatment method.

Comprehensive three-dimensional analysis of right-sided aortic arch with multiple vascular anomalies

BACKGROUND

Right-sided aortic arch is a rare congenital defect usually diagnosed incidentally in adults; it is often asymptomatic unless aneurismal disease develops. In half the cases, an aberrant left subclavian artery arises from a Kommerell's diverticulum; in these cases, congenital heart anomaly is very rarely present.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of incidentally-detected right-sided aortic arch with multiple vascular anomalies including left subclavian artery originating from a Kommerell's diverticulum, supra-sinus origin of coronary arteries and coronary arteriovenous fistula.

CONCLUSION

Through comprehensive 3-dimensional reconstruction of the aortic arch and surrounding structures we defined anatomical relationships, which is useful for follow-up and treatment.

Contemporary surgical approaches and outcomes in adults with Kommerell diverticulum

BACKGROUND

Surgery in patients with Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is controversial. Although the presence of symptoms is an accepted indication, the KD itself may be a risk factor for dissection and rupture, although size criteria for operation are undefined.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 19 adult patients who underwent surgical treatment of KD between March 2004 and June 2013 was performed. Mean age was 48 years (range, 32 to 68 years). Fifteen patients were female, 15 were symptomatic, and 13 had a right aortic arch. Sixteen patients with aberrant subclavian artery underwent a two-stage procedure involving subclavian-common carotid artery transposition or bypass followed by aortic resection, including origin of the KD, with interposition graft reconstruction. Aortic resection was performed with left heart bypass (n = 10) or deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (n = 9).

RESULTS

There were no deaths or strokes. Complications after aberrant subclavian artery revascularization were transient ptosis (n = 3), graft occlusion (n = 1), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (n = 1),phrenic nerve injury (n = 1), and reintubation (n = 1). Complications after aortic resection were intraoperative type A dissection (n = 1), phrenic nerve injury (n = 1), chylothorax (n = 1), and transient neurologic dysfunction (n = 1). Mean hospital stay after aberrant subclavian artery revascularization was 2 ± 2 days and after aortic resection, 6.4 ± 2.4 days. Of 18 available pathology specimens, all 18 showed medial degeneration. Mean follow-up was 3.3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest reported single-center experience with the surgical management of KD in adults, verifying its safety and efficacy. The high percentage of KD with medial degeneration suggests asymptomatic patients with an enlarged KD also may benefit from resection.

A case of type-2 endoleak from a bronchial artery after endovascular aortic repair for Kommerell diverticulum

We describe a case of type-2 bronchial artery endoleak after endovascular aortic repair of Kommerell diverticulum (KD) involving right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery (LSA). A 68-year-old woman underwent an endovascular repair of KD with an aberrant LSA in our hospital. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) at 6 months after the procedure showed an endoleak. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a type-2 endoleak from a bronchial artery, but no type-1 or type-2 endoleak from the aberrant left subclavian artery. We performed coil embolization of the KD and the left subclavian artery. The endoleak disappeared in the postoperative CT.

Variations in the Branching Pattern of the Aortic Arch Detected with Computerized Tomography Angiography

Objectives. The aim was to determine the prevalence of aortic arch variations in 881 patients who underwent neck CT angiography for various reasons. Material and Methods. 881 patients were included in the study who had undergone neck CT angiography between 2010 and 2013. Results. Of 881 patients, 770 (87.4%) patients with classic branching pattern of the aortic arch (AA) were observed. Variations in branching pattern were seen in 111 (12.6%) patients. The most common variation was the origination of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) from the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT). This pattern was observed in 64 (7.2%) cases. In 25 (2.8%) cases, the left vertebral artery (LVA) originated directly from the AA between the origin of the LCCA and left subclavian artery (SCA). 17 (1.9%) cases had aberrant right subclavian artery. Three (0.3%) cases showed right aortic arch. Two cases had right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery. Conclusions. Variations in the branching pattern of the AA are not rare. Head and neck surgeons and interventional radiologists should be aware of aortic arch variations. CTA is a reliable imaging method for demonstrating anatomical features and variations of the AA.

Hybrid repair of right aortic arch aneurysm with a Kommerell's diverticulum

We describe the case of a 74-year-old man who underwent a hybrid open and endovascular approach for repair of dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm of a right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a Kommerell's diverticulum. Total debranching using a tailored quadrifurcated graft and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair for the transverse aortic lesion were performed. The procedures were successfully accomplished with complete exclusion of the aneurysm. This hybrid procedure for complex aortic arch disease may reduce perioperative complications compared to challenging conventional open approaches.

Dysphagia lusoria: report of a series of six cases

Dysphagia lusoria is a rare cause of organic dysphagia. This report describes a series of six patients admitted to our university hospital for dysphagia lusoria. Dysphagia was a constant feature in all our patients. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a barium esophagram prompted the diagnosis, which was confirmed by angiography of the aortic arch showing an aberrant right subclavian artery in all cases. Treatment was surgical in all patients with good results.

Symptomatic stenosis of left subclavian artery from Kommerell’s diverticulum

Patients with a right aortic arch frequently develop an aneurysm at the origin of the left subclavian artery, called Kommerell’s diverticulum; it is a remnant of the left fourth aortic arch. These variants may occur in combination with congenital heart defects or they may be isolated. We report an extremely rare case of symptomatic stenotic origin of an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a Kommerell’s diverticulum in a 39-year-old man with right-sided aortic arch who had left upper limb pain and numbness on exercise. He was successfully treated by percutaneous angioplasty and primary stent implantation.

Endovascular repair of a right-sided thoracic aortic aneurysm with Kommerell diverticulum and aberrant left subclavian artery

BACKGROUND

A case of successful total endovascular repair of a right-sided descending thoracic aorta aneurysm (r-DTAA) with Kommerell diverticulum and aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) was reported. Few cases of this very rare pathology were reported, mostly describing a hybrid treatment, with only 2 cases of total endovascular repair performed to date.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our strategy consisted of endovascular ALSA occlusion, without preventive revascularization, and r-DTAA exclusion by 2 endoprosthesis implanted in a telescopic fashion, first the distal one, to achieve a relative straightening of the arch and support the proximal endoprosthesis, and then the proximal one, close to the right subclavian origin. Completion angiography and 12-month computed tomography scan showed successful exclusion, patency of epiaortic vessels, and absence of endoleak.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular repair can be a safe and effective treatment for aortic disease with challenging anatomy, avoiding the need for a complex open surgery procedure.

Aortic arch replacement through a left thoracotomy for right-sided aortic arch aneurysm with complete vascular ring

Right-sided aortic arch with retroesophageal left subclavian artery and left ligamentum arteriosum is the second most common vascular ring. Aneurysms of the arch in its retroesophageal portion are rare. The surgical repair of a retroesophageal arch aneurysm poses a significant challenge because no single approach provides access to the whole arch and all of its branches. We describe a 39-year-old patient with aneurysmal dilatation of the retroesophageal arch who presented with airway obstruction. The arch aneurysm was repaired with a staged approach. A right-sided carotid-subclavian artery bypass was performed, followed by distal ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement under hypothermic circulatory arrest through a left thoracotomy.

A case of acute traumatic aortic injury of a right-sided aortic arch with rupture of an aberrant left subclavian artery

Acute traumatic aortic injury is a potentially lethal condition with most patients die at the scene of the accidents. Rapid deceleration due to motor vehicle accidents is the commonest mechanism of injury. These injuries can be successfully repaired in the few patients who survive the initial trauma if proper diagnosis and rapid treatment are provided. The occurrence of acute traumatic aortic injury in patients with congenital abnormality of the aortic arch has been rarely reported; however, it renders the diagnosis and treatment more difficult. In this paper, we describe an extremely rare case of aortic injury in a young patient who had a right sided aortic arch with rupture of an aberrant left subclavian artery. The patient was suspected to have a Kommerell's diverticulum in the aberrant subclavian artery origin. This injury resulted in an unusually huge pseudoaneurysm involving part of the mediastinum and extending into the neck. Unfortunately; patient succumbed in spite of surgical intervention.

Right aortic arch and Kommerell's diverticulum associated with acute aortic dissection and pericardial tamponade

The right-sided aorta associated with an aberrant left subclavian artery is a rare anomaly of the aortic branches in the upper mediastinum. We present a 62-year-old patient suffering from an acute dissection of the ascending aorta associated with hemopericardium. In this case, there was also aneurysmal dilatation of the origin of the left subclavian artery, known as diverticulum of Kommerell.

Congenital subclavian steal syndrome with multiple cerebellar infarctions caused by an atypical circumflex retroesophageal right aortic arch with atretic aberrant left subclavian artery

A right-sided aortic arch is a rare anomaly with an incidence of 0.1% worldwide and is usually associated with a mirror image of all supra-aortic branches or an aberrant left subclavian artery. The latter is often associated with a Kommerell diverticulum, although it can rarely be hypoplastic or atretic and lead to congenital subclavian steal. In most patients, the situation is well-tolerated. In this report, we present a case of subclavian steal syndrome with multiple cerebellar infarcts in a patient with an atypical right-sided aortic arch and an atretic aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a left-sided descending thoracic aorta.

Dysphagia lusoria: A review of the literature and a case report of a young lady presenting with atypical chest pain

The term Dysphagia lusoria refers to an extraordinary disposition of the subclavian artery (lusorian artery) as a cause of oesophageal obstruction. Although most individuals are asymptomatic, they might present with unspecific thoracic pain, dysphagia, dyspnea, arterioesophageal or arteriotracheal fistulae with hematemesis or hemoptysis. This paper presents the first case report in Qatar of a young lady presented with atypical chest pain resulting from dysphagia lusoria caused by a right aortic arch with a diverticulum (of Kommerell) at the origin of an aberrant left subclavian artery and a review of the literature.

Update on aneurysm disease: current insights and controversies: peripheral aneurysms: when to intervene - is rupture really a danger?

Peripheral artery aneurysms are rarer than abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), although the true prevalence is not well known. They often coexist with aortic and other peripheral artery aneurysms. In contrast to AAA, where the principal risk is that of rupture, thromboembolism is more common, contributing a bigger risk in the more common lesions. Although rupture does occur, with incidence related to anatomical site, aneurysm diameter cannot be used to guide management with the same confidence as in AAA. In addition, the rarity of these lesions results in a paucity of evidence with which to guide intervention. Consequently they are difficult lesions to manage, and numerous aneurysm and patient factors must be considered to provide treatment individualised for each case. We discuss popliteal, femoral, carotid, subclavian, upper limb, visceral and false aneurysms, focussing on the risk of rupture and thromboembolism, and current thresholds for intervention, based on the available published literature.

Syncope as initial presentation of kommerell diverticulum

Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is an aortic arch diverticulum at the origin of an aberrant subclavian artery. It is a rare anatomical anomaly that can be associated with a double aortic arc, a left aortic arch, and anomalous origin of the right subclavian artery or a right aortic arch with anomalous left subclavian artery. We present a case of KD presenting initially as syncope, as well as a review of the literature of this rare syndrome, including diagnosis, imaging techniques, and current surgical treatments.

MDCT of right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery associated with kommerell diverticulum and calcified ligamentum arteriosum

We present a case of the right aortic arch with kommerell diverticulum (KD) and aberrant left subclavian artery in a symptomatic 50-year-old patient with a calcification in the presumed attachment site of the ligamentum arteriosum (LA) to the KD. In another 30-year-old male patient, the entire course of a calcified LA was demonstrated using multidetector row computed tomography.

Surgical repair of Kommerell's diverticulum and an aberrant subclavian artery

PURPOSE

The coexistence of Kommerell's diverticulum and an aberrant subclavian artery (ASCA) is a rare congenital variation of the vascular structure. We report our experience of treating aneurysms associated with these anomalies.

METHODS

Between June 2007 and November 2011, five consecutive patients underwent repair of an aneurysm associated with Kommerell's diverticulum and an ASCA at Shiga University Hospital. Four of the five patients had a right-sided aortic arch associated with the ASCA. One patient underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured thoracic aneurysm. The operations performed were descending aorta replacement through right thoracotomy in one patient and total arch replacement through a median thoracotomy, under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective cerebral perfusion, in four patients. No staged operation was required.

RESULTS

One patient died of mediastinitis, subsequent to a ruptured Kommerell's diverticulum, 45 days postoperatively. There were no other deaths in the early or late (6-58 months) postoperative period. One patient required re-exploration for bleeding, but none of the patients suffered neurologic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic disease with an ASCA and Kommerell's diverticulum can be repaired safely under elective conditions.