Aneurysm of anomalous subclavian artery: an unusal cause of dysphagia lusoria in childhood.

An 11-year-old female child with Down's syndrome presented with increasing dyspnea and dysphagia. Radiologic studies demonstrated a false aneurysm of an anomalous right subclavian artery which was compressing both trachea and esophagus. The etiology of this aneurysm most probably related to an unsuccessful cardiac catheterization two years prior to this admission. Proximal and distal ligation of the anomalous sublavian artery was accomplished through a right thoracotomy and the patient has remained asymptomatic.