Aberrant right subclavian artery (arteria lusoria) and the risk for trisomy 21. Retrospective study of 11,479 fetopathological examinations

Objective. - The aberrant right subclavian artery is a malformation of the aortic arch present at less than 2% of the individuals in the general population. This incidence is higher in trisomy 21, making it possible use the aberrant right subclavian artery as a prenatal marker of trisomy 21. Material and methods. - This work, which relates to a series of 11,479 consecutive fetal autopsies aims to measure the force of association between the aberrant right subclavian artery and trisomy 21, to confront our results with the sonographic series previously published and to contribute to assess the place that can have this sign in the echographic screening and the fetopathologic diagnosis of trisomy 21. Results. - The isolated presence of an aberrant right subclavian artery does not represent an argument sufficient for the indication of a karyotype. But the detection of this anomaly must make pay a special attention in search of other associated signs. Conclusion. - On the results of this study, the aberrant right subclavian artery has to be considered as, a part of the spectrum not only of trisomy 21, but also of many other congenital syndromes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.