Dysphagia lusoria is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) caused by compression of the esophagus by an abnormally formed blood vessel that is present at birth.
The esophagus is the hollow tube that leads from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach.
Dysphagia lusoria is the term for swallowing difficulty that is caused by a birth defect in the large blood vessels, which causes the blood vessels to compress the esophagus (and sometimes the breathing tube, or trachea). Feeding difficulties may be present in infancy, or swallowing difficulties may not be noticed until childhood or adulthood. (See also Overview of Esophageal Obstructions.)
A computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is the usual diagnostic test, although a barium swallow x-ray, bronchoscopy can show compression of the esophagus or airway but do not show the source. An echocardiogram can sometimes show the abnormal blood vessels but do not show the compression.
Most people diagnosed as adults require no treatment, but surgical repair is sometimes done. Surgical repair is more often necessary infants with feeding or breathing symptoms caused by blood vessel abnormalities.
