Right-Sided Aortic Arch Presenting as Chronic Cough in a 50-Year-Old Patient With DiGeorge Syndrome: A Report of a Rare Case

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Authors: John Wahidy, Sawyer S Longley, Muhammad Zohaib Anwar, Adrian DiVittorio
Cited by: 0
References: 8

Abstract

A right-sided aortic arch is a rare congenital vascular anomaly that can be seen in individuals with 22q11.2 microdeletion syndromes, such as DiGeorge syndrome. Although most patients are asymptomatic, airway or esophageal compression may occur in a small subset of individuals. In this case, a 50-year-old male patient with DiGeorge syndrome presented with a persistent dry cough for roughly six weeks that was not improving despite medical treatment. Computed tomography (CT) imaging showed a right-sided aortic arch, and over several years, it progressively continued to compress the patient's trachea, which was confirmed via bronchoscopy. This case emphasizes the importance of considering anatomical anomalies in patients with unexplained chronic cough and emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among medical specialties to evaluate and treat this rare presentation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

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

Publication details

Journal / source
Cureus
Volume
18
Issue
2
Pages
e103028–e103028
Publication date
5 February 2026
Language
EN