Kommerell diverticulum
Updates to Article Attributes
Kommerell diverticula occur in some anomalies of the aortic arch system. It usually refers to the bulbous bulbous configuration of the origin of an aberrant left subclavian artery in the setting of a right sided aortic arch. However, it was originally described as a diverticular outpouching at the origin of an aberrant right subclavian artery with a left sided aortic arch.
Clinical presentation
Kommerell diverticulum may be asymptomatic, or cause symptoms of oesophageal or tracheal obstruction.
Radiographic features
Plain radiograph
AOn chest radiographs, a small rounded density may be seen laterally towards the left of the trachea.
Fluoroscopy: barium swallow
An impression can be seen from left side of oesophagus simulating a double aortic arch.
CT/MRI
Typically shows bulbous enlargement of the proximal subclavian artery at its origin from the aortic arch, posterior to the oesophagus.
History and etymology
It is named after Burckhard F Kommerell, German radiologist (1901-1990).
-<p><strong>Kommerell diverticula</strong> occur in some anomalies of the aortic arch system. It usually refers to the bulbous configuration of the origin of an aberrant left subclavian artery in the setting of a <a href="/articles/right-sided-aortic-arch">right sided aortic arch</a>. However, it was originally described as a diverticular outpouching at the origin of an <a href="/articles/aberrant-right-subclavian-artery">aberrant right subclavian artery</a> with a left sided aortic arch.</p><h4>Clinical presentation</h4><p>Kommerell diverticulum may be asymptomatic, or cause symptoms of oesophageal or tracheal obstruction. </p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>Plain radiograph</h5><p>A small rounded density may be seen laterally towards the left of the trachea.</p><h5>Fluoroscopy: barium swallow</h5><p>An impression can be seen from left side of oesophagus simulating a double aortic arch.</p><h5>CT/MRI</h5><p>Typically shows bulbous enlargement of the proximal subclavian artery at its origin from the aortic arch, posterior to the oesophagus.</p><h4>History and etymology</h4><p>It is named after <strong>Burckhard F Kommerell</strong>, German radiologist (1901-1990).</p>- +<p><strong>Kommerell diverticula</strong> occur in some anomalies of the aortic arch system. It usually refers to the bulbous configuration of the origin of an aberrant left subclavian artery in the setting of a <a href="/articles/right-sided-aortic-arch">right sided aortic arch</a>. However, it was originally described as a diverticular outpouching at the origin of an <a href="/articles/aberrant-right-subclavian-artery">aberrant right subclavian artery</a> with a left sided aortic arch.</p><h4>Clinical presentation</h4><p>Kommerell diverticulum may be asymptomatic, or cause symptoms of oesophageal or tracheal obstruction. </p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>Plain radiograph</h5><p>On chest radiographs, a small rounded density may be seen laterally towards the left of the trachea.</p><h5>Fluoroscopy: barium swallow</h5><p>An impression can be seen from left side of oesophagus simulating a double aortic arch.</p><h5>CT/MRI</h5><p>Typically shows bulbous enlargement of the proximal subclavian artery at its origin from the aortic arch, posterior to the oesophagus.</p><h4>History and etymology</h4><p>It is named after <strong>Burckhard F Kommerell</strong>, German radiologist (1901-1990).</p>