Vascular Ring Anomalies: Using Cross-Sectional Imaging to Guide Surgery

摘要

Several malformations of the arterial system have been described in animals; the most common clinical presentation is a pediatric animal with dysphagia. Indeed, the original human medical term for a vascular ring anomaly was dysphagia lusoria, which is from the Greek dysphagia lusus natural meaning difficulty eating and freak of nature.1 The term "vascular ring" was used for the first time in 1945 by Robert Gross.2 The basic pathophysiology of these malformations is a constriction of the esophagus at the level of the heart base, dilation of the cranial esophagus, and regurgitation. Due to its position in the chest, the trachea may also be entrapped within the ring.