Severe tracheal compression due to cervical aortic arch aneurysm.

We report a left-sided cervical aortic arch (CAA) aneurysm that severely compressed the trachea resulting in respiratory insufficiency. A 59-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of a few years history of inspiratory obstruction without dysphagia. Enhanced computed tomography revealed severe tracheal stenosis caused by a large CAA aneurysm. As the location of the aneurysm was located between the left carotid artery and the left subclavian artery, we planned to approach the aneurysm resection via a median sternotomy extending to the bilateral supraclavicular region. Total arch replacement was performed and the tracheal compression was relieved. The postoperative course was uneventful and the tracheal stenosis was gradually decreased by 12 months after surgery.