Vascular ring anomaly resulting in esophageal stricture in a cat

Abstract

Vascular rings are the result of developmental anomalies of which there are six anatomical variations that will result in an esophageal stricture. Of these, by far the most common is a retained right fourth aortic arch and a left sixth ligamentum arteriosum. Vascular rings can effect multiple animals in the same litter with no sex predilection. They are more common in medium to large breed dogs with a much higher incidence in German shepherds, Irish Setters, Great Danes, and Boston Terriers. Vascular ring anomalies are uncommon in cats with about half of the reported cases occurring in Siamese and Persian breeds. Diagnosis of a vascular ring anomaly is based on history, physical examination, clinical signs, radiographs, an esophagram, and esophagoscopy. Treatment consists of stabilization and surgical correction via division of the vascular ring and periesophageal fibrous bands. This can be accomplished with an intercostal thoracotomy or via thoracoscopic surgery.