Double aortic arch: a rare cause of adult-onset dysphagia

A 61-year-old woman complained of intermittent dysphagia to solids for 4 months. There was no previous history of similar episodes, and dyspnea and stridor were also denied. A preliminary esophagogastroduodenoscopy indicated pulsatile subepithelial protrusions in the middle part of the esophagus (22 cm to 30 cm from the incisors), accompanied by significant deformation of the esophageal lumen ([Fig. 1] a, [Video 1]). Endoscopic ultrasonography showed that the subepithelial protrusions derived from extraluminal compression rather than intramural lesions ([Fig. 1] b). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scanning confirmed that the extraluminal compressions were being caused by aberrant vascular configuration, resulting from the double aortic arch (DAA) ([Fig. 2]). Therefore, it became evident that the patient’s dysphagia was caused by a complete vascular ring due to DAA. The patient refused further surgical intervention.

Fig. 1 Endoscopic and endosonographic findings of esophageal submucosal protrusions. a Endoscopic views showed an esophageal protrusion with normal overlying mucosa 22 cm from the incisors, suggestive of a subepithelial lesion. b Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed an intact esophageal wall covering the protrusion, indicating extraluminal compression.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy indicated subepithelial protrusions and significant luminal deformation in the middle esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasonography and computed tomography confirmed that the changes arose from extraluminal compression by the double aortic arch.Video 1

Fig. 2 Computed tomography (CT) findings of the chest. Contrast-enhanced CT scanning demonstrated a vascular ring (arrowhead) compressing the esophagus posteriorly on: a axial view; b sagittal view. The compression resulted in narrowing of the esophageal lumen, corresponding to the esophageal endoscopic views 22 cm away from the incisors. c Coronal images showed the ascending aorta bifurcating into the right and left aortic arches (arrowhead).

DAA is a rare congenital cardiovascular condition that results from the failure of the right fourth aortic arch to regress during embryonic development, constituting approximately 1% of cardiovascular congenital anomalies [1]. The vascular rings formed by the DAA may compress the encircled esophagus and trachea, causing dysphagia and wheezing. The clinical manifestations of DAA can differ depending on the degree of tightness of the ring and on subsequent tracheoesophageal compression. Some patients are completely asymptomatic, and others present late in life, as in this case. This patient developed dysphagia later in life, rather than earlier, which may be related to the altered elasticity of the arterial vessels in the elderly [2].

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AB_2AC_3AH

 

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

• References

• 1 Yaynishet YA, Kibrom BT, Abera MT. et al. Symptomatic vascular ring due to double aortic arch: a report of two cases. Radiol Case Rep 2025; 20: 97-100
• 2 Cavalcante JL, Lima JA, Redheuil A. et al. Aortic stiffness: current understanding and future directions. J Am Coll Cardiol 2011; 57: 1511-1522

Publication History

Article published online:
08 August 2025