Retroesophageal right aortic arch

Right aortic arch with left descending aorta and a retroesophageal aortic segment is an uncommon congenital vascular malformation which may cause symptoms of compression from a vascular "ring." The presence of this malformation may be suspected by the findings on barium swallow and the diagnosis confirmed by angiocardiography. Surgical intervention may be necessary in patients who have severe symptoms.