43 original and 1335 previously published observations of aberrant subclavian artery (A. lusoria) were analyzed. The sex distribution varied for different types of the malformation: females predominated over males in instances of right aberrant subclavian artery and if pre-stenotic A. lusoria was combined with coarctation of the aorta. Male predominance was found in cases of combination of post-stenotic A. lusoria with coarctation and of aberrant left subclavian artery. An equal sex distribution was observed for A. lusoria combined with interruption of the aortic arch. Clinical, pathological and embryological aspects of the condition are discussed.