Aneurysm of right retroesophageal subclavian artery

A case of aneurysm involving an anomalous right subclavian artery arising from the aortic arch and passing posteriorly to the esophagus is reported. Ischemic syndrome and neurological impairment of the right arm were the symptoms at onset. The diagnostic and operative approach is discussed underlining the technical problems of this type of surgery. The case was successfully treated by resection of the retroesophageal arterial segment and the aneurysm through left thoracotomy and right supraclavicular incision.