Case Histories

Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections and Dysphagia in a Child With an Aortic Vascular Ring

Authors: WOLFGANG PUMBERGER MD, PETER VOITL MD, HUBERT GÖPFRICH MD

Abstract

Recurrent respiratory tract infections and dysphagia after the first years of life are rarely caused by vascular rings, and only a high index of clinical suspicion helps to avoid diagnostic delay and inappropriate treatment. Diagnostic workup in a 2-year-old girl with acute foreign body impaction into the esophagus and frequent respiratory tract infections revealed right descending aortic arch with ligamentum arteriosum as the cause of extrinsic esophageal-tracheal compression. Dividing the ligament gave release to the encircled esophagus and trachea. Relief of symptoms was achieved immediately after surgery.

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References