Document Type : Case Report
Authors
- Reza Mohammadi 1
- Yazdan Ghadi 2
- Saeedeh Delavari 3
- Mehran Akbari 4
- Hadi Jafsrimanesh 5
- Rosa Rezaei 6
1 Medical Student, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
2 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
3 Department of Health Information Technology, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
4 Department of Nursing, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
5 Medical Surgical Department, School of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
6 Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
Abstract
Background:
An aberrant right subclavian artery, the most common birth defect of the aortic arch, often causes swallowing problems from esophageal compression. Less often, it leads to chronic cough, shortness of breath, or recurrent pneumonia. Spotting it early is crucial, especially in kids with unexplained breathing troubles.
Case presentation:
We report the case of a 3-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department with fever, cough, and respiratory distress. Her medical history was notable for respiratory distress syndrome and a previously diagnosed patent ductus arteriosus. Chest X-ray revealed a left lower lobe opacity consistent with pneumonia or aspiration. Further evaluation with flexible bronchoscopy and upper gastrointestinal series ruled out aspiration. Computed tomography angiography confirmed the diagnosis of ARSA. Surgical correction was performed, and the patient showed significant clinical improvement. At a 6-month follow-up, she had no further episodes of respiratory infection and demonstrated appropriate weight gain.
Conclusions:
This case emphasizes the need to include vascular abnormalities like ARSA in the differential diagnosis when evaluating children with recurrent pneumonia. Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment can result in positive clinical outcomes.
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