Vascular ring presenting as failure to thrive

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Authors: Venkata Sushma Chamarthi, Sastry Chamarthi
Cited by: 0

Abstract

A 6-month-old female presented with persistent post-prandial vomiting and poor weight gain despite adequate caloric intake. Physical examination revealed an emaciated but otherwise stable infant. Laboratory findings were normal. A barium esophagogram demonstrated posterior esophageal indentation suggestive of extrinsic compression, and computed tomography angiography revealed a right-sided aortic arch with retroesophageal Kommerell diverticulum and aberrant left subclavian artery – completing a vascular ring. Surgical division of the ligamentum arteriosum led to rapid symptom resolution and catch-up growth. This case underscores the importance of considering vascular rings in infants with unexplained feeding difficulties or failure to thrive, even in the absence of respiratory symptoms. Keywords: Vascular ring, Kommerell diverticulum, Failure to thrive

Fields of Study & Subjects

Congenital Heart Disease Studies Vascular anomalies and interventions Tracheal and airway disorders

Publication details

Journal / source
The Southwest Journal of Medicine
Volume
14
Issue
58
Pages
40–42
Publication date
27 January 2026