Introduction The aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), also called as lusorian
artery (LA) is a developmental anomaly that exists in conjunction with a right non-recurrent
laryngeal nerve (NRLN) in almost all cases. The average prevalence of such a vascular
variation is estimated as 1%, although, studies have reported very different population
means. Up to date, there is no available data on the frequency of this pattern in
the Hungarian population. It can be treated as an indirect marker of a NRLN. Any preoperative
information on the course of the inferior laryngeal nerves can help surgeons reduce
the risk of an iatrogenic injury during thyroidectomies, especially in an environment
where access to intraoperative neuromonitoring is limited. Objectives The primary
aims were to determine the prevalence of an ARSA, predict the existence of an NRLN
in the Hungarian population, and provide demographic analysis. Methods A retrospective,
computed tomography-based study was carried out. Demographic description and statistical
analysis were provided where applicable. Detected anomalous vasculatures were visualized
with 3D segmentation, and images were interpreted. Results The imaging database review
identified three patients with ARSA out of 686 eligible recordings, resulting in a
frequency of 0.437% in the study population. All three patients were female and had
a retroesophageal LA. Two of them had a Kommerell's diverticulum. One patient had
common carotid arteries with a single origin. Conclusions The frequency of an ARSA
and a concomitant NRLN among Hungarians fits into the results of recent metaanalyses.
Preoperative assessment of this anomaly may reduce vocal cord complication rates of
thyroidectomies.
