Kommerell diverticulum

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Kommerell diverticula occur in a number of anomalies of the aortic arch system⁴.

It usually refers to the 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 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 film

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 proximal subclavian artery at its origin from aortic arch, posterior to oesophagus.

History and etymology

It is named after Burckhard F Kommerell, German radiologist (1901-1990).

-<p><strong>Kommerell diverticula</strong> occur in a number of anomalies of the aortic arch system <sup>4</sup>.</p><p>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 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 film</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 proximal subclavian artery at its origin from aortic arch, posterior to 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 a number of anomalies of the aortic arch system.</p><p>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 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 film</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 proximal subclavian artery at its origin from aortic arch, posterior to oesophagus.</p><h4>History and etymology</h4><p>It is named after <strong>Burckhard F Kommerell</strong>, German radiologist (1901-1990).</p>

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