Virginia Via Research Day Book 2026

Medical Student Research Case Reports

31 ABERRANT RIGHT SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY: A CADAVERIC CASE REPORT

Ruth McAtee, Alexa Houseknecht, Andrew Baker, Avery Guilford, Derek Wakefield, Hunter Byers, John Blanzy, Kati Rodgers, Serah Wiedenhoefer, Shane Muller, Umar Mujahid, Jerald Grissom, Stany Lobo Corresponding author: rsmcatee@liberty.edu

Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lynchburg, Virginia Lewis Gale Medical Center, Salem, Virginia

discuss the embryological and clinical significance of this anatomy. Methods: The ARSA was discovered in a 94-year old female cadaver during routine dissection for medical education. The aortic arch, ARSA, and laryngeal nerve were then carefully traced, examined, and documented. Results: The ARSA was found to arise from the aortic arch distal to the origins of the right and left common carotid arteries and the left subclavian artery. A coarctation of the ARSA was discovered proximal to the branching of the vertebral artery, which indicated the possibility of SSS. A right NRLN was also observed upon dissection, the presence of which was consistent with the embryological development of an ARSA.

Context: Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a rare congenital variation in which the right subclavian artery arises from the aortic arch distal to the left subclavian artery. This anomaly has the potential to deviate from the normal course of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve during embryological development to cause a non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN), which can have significant surgical implications. Narrowing of the subclavian artery, which can also occur congenitally, can result in subclavian steal syndrome (SSS), which can reduce blood flow to the brain and cause many neurological symptoms. Objective: The objective of this case report is to present the findings of an ARSA, right NRLN, and proximal stenosis of the right subclavian artery and to

Conclusions: This case report emphasizes the importance of awareness of these rare neurovascular anomalies. It also highlights the embryology associated with an ARSA and the value of considering screening for these anatomical variations for thyroid and cervical surgeries.

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2026 Research Recognition Day