A note on the historical aspects of dysphagia lusoria

There is a lack of appreciation for the fact that, in less than 1 per cent of the general population, the right subclavian artery has an anomalous origin and course. Fortunately, most of these persons do not have symptoms; however, if they should have neck surgery, they may be at increased risk for damage to the right inferior laryngram nerve. The earliest reported description of an anomalous right subclavian artery was that of Hunald in 1735; 52 years passed before the clinical syndrome of dysphagia lusoria was published by Bayford in 1787. Bayford did not mention the associated displacement of the right inferior laryngeal nerve. In 1823, Stedman described the entire anatomical picture.