Right-sided aortic arch

Last revised by Maulik S Patel on 17 Sep 2023

Right-sided aortic arch is a type of aortic arch variant characterized by the aortic arch coursing to the right of the trachea. Different configurations can be found based on the supra-aortic branching patterns, with the two most common patterns being the right-sided aortic arch with mirror image branching and the right-sided aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA).

A right-sided aortic arch is thought to occur in approximately ~0.1% (range 0.05-0.2%) of the population. There is a significant association with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DiGeorge syndrome) 14.

The majority of the patients are asymptomatic and it is discovered incidentally. However, it causes symptoms when associated with other vascular anomalies (vascular ring) due to compression of the esophagus and/or trachea.

Right-sided arches can be divided into at least three types. Please note that the numbering of the types varies from publication to publication; therefore, the abnormality should be described rather than merely numbered 1,7,11-13.

  • type I: right-sided aortic arch with mirror image branching
  • type II: right-sided aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery
    • common 1, at least accounting for 39.5% of all right-sided arches 11
    • associated with a Kommerell diverticulum 11
    • occurs from interruption of the dorsal segment of the left arch between the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries with regression of the right ductus arteriosus in the hypothetical double aortic arch
    • in this variant, the left common carotid artery arises first, followed by the right common carotid, right subclavian, and then left subclavian arteries
    • rarely symptomatic and is therefore usually incidental, although it can rarely cause esophageal and/or tracheal compression 10
    • rarely associated with other cardiovascular abnormalities
  • type III: right-sided aortic arch with isolation of the left subclavian artery 1,6
  • left aortic contour is absent
  • tracheal bowing to the left at the level of the right aortic arch
  • soft tissue indentation on the right side of the distal trachea
  • right-sided descending aorta

The right arch is often seen as high riding and projecting as a mass in the right paratracheal region 4.

Cross-sectional imaging with CT or MRI allows direct visualization of arch anatomy and with dedicated angiographic techniques (MRA or CTA) excellent demonstration of the lumen can be achieved. 

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