PMC6393890_01
Referral right lateral thoracic radiograph showing cranial esophageal dilation with food (white arrow).
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Radiographs from the referring veterinarian showed significant dilation of the cranial esophagus containing what appeared to be food as well as evidence of aspiration pneumonia (Figure 1).
Post-contrast computed tomography (CT) angiogram with contrast showing compression of the trachea (T) by the smaller aberrant right aortic arch (black asterisk) and esophageal dilation (E). Note also the origin of the left aortic arch in the normal position (LAo).
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Computed tomography (CT) evaluation (Picker PQS Third Generation CT Scanner; Coral Springs, FL, USA) of the thorax identified a segmental megaesophagus extending throughout the cervical and cranial thoracic region with termination of dilation at the level of the heart base (Figure 2).
Aberrant right aortic arch seen via right 4th lateral thoracotomy (white arrow). The dilated esophagus can be seen at the top of the figure behind the right-angle forceps with the cranial vena cava at the bottom right.
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NJ, USA) were placed for retraction of the mediastinum. No gross abnormalities were identified in the mediastinum other than the cranial megaesophagus and a 6 mm right aortic arch (Figure 3).
Posttransection of the right aortic arch with stay sutures in place. Note the vessel ends sutured with Prolene. The dog's head is to the right.
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Further dissection deep to the arch to the level of the esophagus was performed to ensure no obvious fibrous bands were causing further constriction (Figure 4).