Recurrent respiratory tract infections and dysphagia in a child with an aortic vascular ring

Abstract

Recurrent respiratory tract infections and dysphagia after the first years of life are rarely caused by vascular rings, and only a high index of clinical suspicion helps to avoid diagnostic delay and inappropriate treatment. Diagnostic workup in a 2-year-old girl with acute foreign body impaction into the esophagus and frequent respiratory tract infections revealed right descending aortic arch with ligamentum arteriosum as the cause of extrinsic esophageal-tracheal compression. Dividing the ligament gave release to the encircled esophagus and trachea. Relief of symptoms was achieved immediately after surgery.