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Updated: May 21, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Double aortic arch masquerading as bronchial asthma for five decades.
Ghulam Nabi Lone1, Shyam Singh Rathore, Javed Ahmad Malik
1Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar, Kashmir, India. gn_lone@yahoo.co.in
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|June 22, 2012
Summary
A rare vascular anomaly, double aortic arch, can mimic chronic asthma symptoms. Surgical correction resolved the patient's long-standing respiratory issues, highlighting its diagnostic importance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Chronic bronchial asthma is a common respiratory condition.
- Persistent asthma symptoms unresponsive to standard treatment warrant further investigation.
- Vascular anomalies can present with atypical respiratory symptoms.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male with a 5-decade history of bronchial asthma presented with severe debilitation.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed mediastinal widening, left anterior hemiblock, and confirmed a double aortic arch.
- The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with tracheal and esophageal compression.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention involved excision of the anterior aortic arch and release of the trachea and esophagus.
- Post-operative recovery was successful, with resolution of respiratory symptoms.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the vascular anomaly.
Implications:
- Double aortic arch should be included in the differential diagnosis for refractory chronic asthma.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes.
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic workups for persistent respiratory conditions.
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