Application value of multidetector computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of aberrant right subclavian artery

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the application value of multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) in the diagnosis of aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). Methods Retrospective analysis were applied on 5800 patients who underwent MDCTA on head and neck, and then the ARSA and other accompanied variations of branches of aortic arch were observed on using original images, maximum intensity projection (MIP), curved planar reformation (CPR) and volume rendering (VR). Results ARSA combined with left aortic arch was found in 52 cases, among which simple ARSA was seen in 21 cases (40.38%), ARSA with bilateral common carotid trunk (CCT) in 19 patients (36.54%), ARSA and anomalous origin of unilateral vertebral artery in 9 patients (17.31%), ARSA, CCT and left vertebral artery (LVA) originating from aortic arch in 3 cases (5.77%). Among the 52 ARSA cases, Kommerell diverticulum was found in 10 cases (19.23% ), and no aneurysmal change was seen in Kommerell diverticulums. Conclusion MDCTA can accurately reflect ARSA and other accompanied variations of branches of aortic arch, and is significant for clinical practice.