Retro-esophageal subclavian artery: a case report

This case report presents the finding of an aberrant right subclavian artery during the routine dissection of 230 human adults specimens. The case which we describe appeared in an 82-year-old male donor, in whom the right retro-esophageal subclavian artery was observed as the last branch of the aortic arch. The rate of occurrence of this variation is stated to be less than 1%. This variation is described in detail; embryology and anatomy are reviewed and we discuss it in relation to other cases. The aortic arch was dissected, and its branches were described as regards their relations, length and diameter.