Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Laparoscopic Splenectomy with Pericardial Devascularization for Hypersplenism and Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage Due to Portal Hypertension
Published on: November 15, 2024
Vertebral arteria lusoria: a life-threatening condition for oesophageal surgery
Alexis Lacout1, Antoine Khalil, Andrea Figl
1Centre d'imagerie Médicale, 47, Boulevard du Pont Rouge, 15000 Aurillac, France. lacout.alexis@wanadoo.fr
Abstract:
A rare anatomic variant of the right vertebral artery is reported as an incidental finding in a 78-year-old female patient. The vessel originated from the aortic arch distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery and presented an unusual retroesophageal course, thus was named "vertebral arteria lusoria". As multi-detector row computed tomography examination is now widely used, this anatomical variant should be considered in any patient undergoing esophageal surgery. Misdiagnosis of such an aberrant vertebral artery may cause life-threatening issues.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...