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We present the case of a 23-year-old woman who reported weakness in the left upper limb, decreased warmth, numbness in the fingers, pain in the clavicular region, and a severe cold sensation in the limb. A thermal imaging camera examination was performed for diagnostic purposes, which guided further diagnostic and therapeutic management towards arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (aTOS). Following surgery and rehabilitation procedures, significant remission of symptoms was achieved and the patient's condition improved. This is the first report on the diagnosis of aTOS using thermal imaging, paving the way for further clinical research into this effective, rapid, and radiation-free method of diagnostic imaging. Conclusion: Thermal imaging is one of the most effective, readily available, and patient-safe methods for diagnosing vascular disease associated with flow disruption.
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Objective: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) comprises a series of signs and symptoms produced by compression of neurovascular structures in any of the anatomical spaces of the thoracic outlet. First rib resection is a therapeutic alternative to decompress the structures of the thoracic outlet at the costoclavicular space. Traditional surgical approaches include transaxillary, supraclavicular, and infraclavicular access. The objective was to describe the surgical experience and follow up results of first rib resection using video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in patients with vascular TOS. Methods: Observational descriptive study based on a retrospective single centre analysis of a prospective database. Patients diagnosed with vascular TOS who underwent VATS first rib resection from January 2017 to December 2023 were included. The diagnosis for each subtype was based on the criteria defined in the standards of the American Society for Vascular Surgery in TOS. Among other things, the response to initial anticoagulation, peri-operative data, complications, symptom improvement, duration of post-operative anticoagulation, and symptom recurrence were investigated. Results: Twenty nine patients diagnosed with vascular TOS who underwent VATS first rib resection, three of whom had bilateral procedures, were included. The total number of costal rib resections performed was 32 (31 venous TOS and one arterial TOS). The mean age was 29.1 ± 10.4 years and mean hospital stay was 2.7 ± 1.2 days. There were neither conversions to open surgery nor intra-operative complications, but there were two major post-operative complications (6.25%). No recurrences were detected during midterm follow up (median of 17.9 months, interquartile range 7.3, 45). Conclusion: VATS first rib resection is a safe and feasible procedure. Unlike traditional approaches, this procedure allows physicians to make the resection under complete vision of the anatomical structures of the thoracic outlet reducing intra-operative complications and, if necessary, entire rib resection can be performed.
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Neurological thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can be challenging to diagnose, particularly given its described subtypes of neurogenic TOS (NTOS) and disputed TOS (DTOS) that exhibit variable clinical presentations and etiologies. The diagnostic workup of TOS often includes magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) of the brachial plexus. Specific MRN imaging modifications for TOS evaluation are required to maximize spatial and contrast resolution to increase the conspicuity of nerve segments and their relationships to surrounding osseous structures. Dynamic assessment with arm positioning is used to evaluate outlet narrowing and compression of the plexus. Individual nerve segments are interrogated for their longitudinal and cross-sectional morphologies and signal characteristics. In patients with NTOS, MRN may reveal focal impingement of the C8/T1 nerve roots and/or lower trunk with accompanying abnormal T2-weighted signal hyperintensity. Predisposing anatomical entities include cervical ribs, rib synostoses, hypertrophic callous following clavicular fracture, remnant first thoracic rib from prior incomplete resection, and variable perineural scarring. In comparison, DTOS patients frequently demonstrate signal hyperintensity and enlargement of the mid plexus (trunk and division level), with narrowing of the costoclavicular interval. Following comprehensive diagnostic workup that frequently includes electrodiagnostic testing, patients are directed to different management pathways. Nonsurgical management is considered for all cases of DTOS; all patients with NTOS or DTOS who fail conservative treatment warrant referral for a surgical opinion. If surgery is pursued, MRN can be helpful in preoperative planning.
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INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) remains a challenge. The role of electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) in the workup of nTOS remains controversial. The aim of this study was to report the EDX findings in a cohort of patients who underwent surgery for nTOS and also analyze patient-related and intraoperative factors associated with positive EDX findings supportive of nTOS diagnosis. METHODS: Baseline characteristics of patients, including age, sex, duration of symptoms, type of nTOS, and pattern of brachial plexus involvement, were gathered and analyzed. All patients received a preoperative EDX evaluation and were divided into two groups based on positive or negative EDX results for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 30 consecutive patients were included in this study comprising 11 (36.7%) men and 19 (63.3%) women, with a mean age of 44.6 ± 17.6 years. Twenty-two (73.3%) patients had type 1 nTOS with muscle weakness and atrophy, followed by 7 (23.4%) patients with type 3, and 1 (3.3%) patient with type 2 nTOS. In terms of nTOS pattern, 26 (86.7%) patients had lower plexus pattern of involvement (C8-T1), followed by 17 (56.7%) with upper-middle plexus pattern (C6-C7), and 13 (43.3%) with upper plexus pattern (C5-dorsal scapular nerve (DSN)). When comparing the characteristics of patients with positive and negative EDX findings suggestive of nTOS, only older age and type 1 nTOS (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with positive EDX findings. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, EDX assessment may not be the best modality for diagnosis of nTOS. Interindividual variation in findings reported by different clinicians performing the EDX remains a significant limiting factor. Older patients and those with more severe nTOS (type 1) are more likely to have positive results with EDX.
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Variant anatomy in the axillary region is of great clinical significance. It is one of the most frequently accessed regions for radical dissection surgery. During routine dissection of embalmed cadavers, we found a rare case of two accessory muscular slips emerging from the lateral border of latissimus dorsi (LD) and the inferolateral border of pectoralis major (PM), crossing the neurovascular structures in the axilla and merging distally together to the brachial fascia at the upper end of humerus below the bicipital groove. The accessory slip from LD is commonly referred to as the "axillary arch" in literature. We identified the accessory slip from the PM crossing over the axilla as pectoralis quartus. These aberrant slips can cause neurovascular compression in the axilla and can have clinical implications. Prior knowledge of the variant anatomy is the key to successful surgery in the axilla, thereby avoiding inadvertent injuries and post-operative complications.
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Variación Anatómica , Axila , Cadáver , Músculos Pectorales , Humanos , Músculos Pectorales/anomalías , Músculos Pectorales/anatomía & histología , Axila/anomalías , Disección , Músculos Superficiales de la Espalda/trasplante , Músculos Superficiales de la Espalda/anomalías , Masculino , FemeninoRESUMEN
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) results from compression of the neurovascular bundle in the thoracic outlet. Several etiologies can contribute to the development of thoracic outlet syndrome, including both congenital and acquired causes. Historically, trapezius pathology has not been considered a cause of TOS; however, here we report a patient with neurogenic TOS plus ipsilateral trapezius hypertonicity and hypertrophy who had significant symptomatic improvement following botulinum toxin injections to trapezius.
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OBJECTIVE: Venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) is caused by compression of the subclavian vein at the costoclavicular space, which may lead to vein thrombosis. Current treatment includes thoracic outlet decompression with or without venolysis. However, given its relatively low prevalence, the existing literature is limited. Here, we report our single-institution experience in the treatment of vTOS. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent rib resection for vTOS at our institution from 2007 to 2022. Demographic, procedural details, and perioperative and long-term outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients were identified. The mean age was 36 years. Swelling was the most common symptom (93%), followed by pain (6.6%). Ninety percent of patients had associated deep vein thrombosis, with 99% of these patients starting anticoagulation preoperatively. A total of 91% of patients underwent rib resection via the infraclavicular approach, 2% via the paraclavicular approach (due to a neurogenic component), and 7% via the transaxillary approach. Eighty-three percent of patients had endovascular intervention before or at the time of the rib resection, with catheter-directed thrombolysis (87%), followed by angioplasty (71%) and rheolytic thrombectomy (57%) being the most common interventions. The median time from endovascular intervention to rib resection was 14 days, with 25% at the same admission. The median postoperative stay was 3 days (2-5 days). There was no perioperative mortality or nerve injury. Fourteen percent of patients had postoperative complications, with bleeding complications (12%) being the most common. Waiting more than 30 days between initial endovascular intervention and rib resection was not associated with decreased risk of bleeding complications. Patients were seen postoperatively at 1-month (physical examination) and 6-month (duplex) intervals or for any new or recurrent symptoms. Twenty-two percent of our overall patient population underwent reintervention, most commonly angioplasty (21%). At last follow-up, 97% of subclavian veins were patent, and 93% of patients were symptom free. CONCLUSIONS: Over the last decade, we have transitioned to an infraclavicular approach for isolated vTOS, with low perioperative morbidity and good patency rates. These results support the adoption of the infraclavicular approach with adjunct endovascular techniques as a safe and efficacious treatment of vTOS.
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Thoracic outlet syndrome is a challenging clinical condition in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and health-related quality of life assessment. In this review, the authors provide a description of the clinical approach, surgical management, and longitudinal follow-up for patients with neurogenic, venous, and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome. The review represents the experiences of a high-volume, dedicated thoracic outlet syndrome program, where patients are treated in a multidisciplinary team and operative decompression occurs through primarily a supraclavicular approach. Data supporting the safety and efficacy of this approach are provided, as are clinical care considerations for surgeons treating patients with thoracic outlet syndrome.
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Descompresión Quirúrgica , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/cirugía , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/diagnóstico , Humanos , Descompresión Quirúrgica/métodos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Clavícula , Calidad de VidaRESUMEN
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is recognised in approximately 8% of the population. Vascular presentation is rare and diagnosis is often elusive due to its rarity. As episodes of TOS in the upper extremities are rare, proven protocols for rehabilitation management are lacking. The purpose of our article is to present a clinical examination protocol and a treatment protocol for patients after an episode of venous thrombosis in the upper limb (VTOS). We report the case of a middle-aged woman with right venous TOS with pain in the right upper extremity, accompanied by oedema and mild violet discolouration. The results after 10 sessions of physiotherapy were as follows: a reduction in symptoms of approximately 40%, an improvement of approximately 15% in sports performance, and an improvement of approximately 25% in work. There was also an improvement in the results of TOS provocation tests, i.e., a 50-100% improvement in pulse rate and about 30% less discolouration in the extremity. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in posture between the two sides of the upper quadrant. The results after 10 physiotherapy sessions are surprising due to chronic disease after the thrombosis episode. It appears that even after a long period of time since diagnosis, improvement is possible.
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Thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by compression of the neurovascular structures within the thoracic outlet leading to a collection of symptoms in the upper limb and shoulder. Identification of the causative factor is essential and thorough clinical examination using specific manoeuvres can aid in the diagnosis of this syndrome. Cervical rib is one of the causes for thoracic outlet syndrome and this manuscript will discuss the thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical rib, incidence, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management including surgical approaches with a focus on transcervical approach.
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INTRODUCTION: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) typically considered a condition of the adult population; it is often disregarded in children and adolescents due to its limited recognition within the pediatrics. The current study aims to systematically review and provide insights into TOS among pediatric patients. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were thoroughly searched for English language studies published until March 15th, 2024. The study included those articles focusing on pediatric or adolescent individuals diagnosed with TOS. Data collected from studies encompassed date of publication, number of participants or reported cases, age (years), gender of participants, type of TOS, affected side, type of treatment, surgical approach, bony abnormality, duration of symptoms (months), outcome, and follow-up time duration (months). RESULTS: The current study comprised 33 articles, 21 of which were case reports, 10 of which were case series, and the remaining were cohort studies. In this study, 356 patients were included. Females constituted 234 (65.73%) of the patient population. Among TOS types, neurogenic TOS was found among 201 (56.5%) patients. Sporting-related activity or physical activity was present in 193 (54%) patients, followed by a history of trauma in 27 (7%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients exhibited a higher percentage of vascular TOS than their adult counterparts, with the supraclavicular approach emerging as the preferred treatment method. Sports-related activities were identified as the primary risk factor associated with pediatric TOS.
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Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico , Humanos , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/cirugía , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Niño , Masculino , FemeninoRESUMEN
Droopy shoulder syndrome (DSS) manifests as discomfort or abnormal sensations in the neck, shoulder, chest, and upper limbs, resulting from tension on the brachial plexus caused by abnormally low shoulder positioning. This case report examines the presentation and management of a patient with DSS, a rare but crucial precursor to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The patient, a 22-year-old male, presented with progressive pain and tingling in his left upper limb, shoulder, chest, and neck. Comprehensive examination and imaging studies led to a diagnosis of DSS. Physical therapy prevented progression to full-blown TOS, highlighting the importance of early recognition and intervention. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic strategies essential for managing this syndrome, preventing complications, and restoring patient function.
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Venous thoracic outlet syndrome is a rare type of thoracic outlet disorder that is often overlooked. When an upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) occurs due to thoracic outlet compression, it is commonly referred to as Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS). The space between the first rib and the clavicle where the subclavian vein passes through is highly vulnerable to compression and injury. This space often undergoes repetitive trauma due to extrinsic compression which ultimately results in scarring and clot formation. This case report reviews the case of a 26-year-old white male who presented with the chief complaint of right arm swelling and soreness after strenuous bench pressing. He went to urgent care and the initial diagnosis was a strained muscle. An ultrasound was ordered, revealing multiple UEDVTs. At this time, the patient was referred to vascular surgery for further management. Recommended management for PSS is to initiate anticoagulation or thrombolytic therapy depending on the timing between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Although there is some disagreement on the next steps after thrombolysis, most physicians agree that decompression of the thoracic outlet with first rib resection is the logical next step to prevent clot recurrence. The patient received the above-mentioned therapy and is progressing well with recovery. Recognizing the thoracic outlet as a potential location for pathology and keeping in mind those who have a presentation similar to this case study is extremely important.
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Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) is caused by brachial plexus compression in the thoracic outlet. It accounts for 85%-95% of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) cases, which may also be caused by compression of the subclavian artery and vein. Compression occurs in the interscalene triangle, costoclavicular space or subpectoralis minor space, with congenital anomalies and repetitive overhead activities as contributing factors. Diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions. Patients commonly report pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the neck, shoulder and arm, exacerbated by arm elevation. Symptoms related to nTOS may manifest in the distribution of the upper (C5-C6), middle (C7) and lower plexus (C8-T1). Although widely used, provocative tests have varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity and may have high false-positive rates, complicating the diagnosis. Patterns on electrodiagnostic studies provide key diagnostic clues, such as reduced sensory response in the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve and low compound motor action potential in the median nerve. Imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), alongside procedures like diagnostic and therapeutic anterior scalene blocks, assist in identifying anatomical abnormalities and predicting surgical outcomes. Management of nTOS involves lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medication and botulinum toxin injections for symptomatic relief. Surgical options may include supraclavicular, transaxillary and infraclavicular approaches, each offering specific benefits based on patient anatomy and surgeon expertise. Minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic surgery, enhance exposure and dexterity, leading to better outcomes. Future research should focus on developing precise diagnostic tools, understanding nTOS pathophysiology, standardising diagnostic criteria and surgical approaches, comparing long-term treatment outcomes and exploring preventive measures to improve patient care and quality of life. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).
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Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/diagnóstico , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/terapia , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/cirugía , Humanos , Descompresión Quirúrgica/métodos , Electrodiagnóstico/métodosRESUMEN
We present a case of venous thoracic outlet syndrome involving upper extremity venous thrombosis confirmed by hyperabduction during balloon inflation in the subclavian vein. This provocative test provides clear evidence of extrinsic venous compression, confirming venous thoracic outlet syndrome.
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Objective.In patients with suspected thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), diagnosing inter-scalene compression could lead to minimally invasive treatments. During photo-plethysmography, completing a 30 s 90° abduction, external rotation ('surrender' position) by addition of a 15 s 90° antepulsion 'prayer' position, allows quantitative bilateral analysis of both arterial (A-PPG) and venous (V-PPG) results. We aimed at determining the proportion of isolated arterial compression with photo-plethysmography in TOS-suspected patients.Approach.We studied 116 subjects recruited over 4 months (43.3 ± 11.8 years old, 69% females). Fingertip A-PPG and forearm V-PPG were recorded on both sides at 125 Hz and 4 Hz respectively. A-PPG was converted to PPG amplitude and expressed as percentage of resting amplitude (% rest). V-PPG was expressed as percentage of the maximal value (% max) observed during the 'Surrender-Prayer' maneuver. Impairment of arterial inflow during the surrender (As+) or prayer (Ap+) phases were defined as a pulse-amplitude either <5% rest, or <25% rest. Incomplete venous emptying during the surrender (Vs+) or prayer (Vp+) phases were defined as V-PPG values either <70% max, or <87% max.Main results.Of the 16 possible associations of encodings, As - Vs - Ap - Vp- was the most frequent observation assumed to be a normal response. Isolated arterial inflow without venous outflow (As + Vs-) impairment in the surrender position was observed in 10.3% (95%CI: 6.7%-15.0%) to 15.1% (95%CI: 10.7%-20.4%) of limbs.Significance.Simultaneous A-PPG and V-PPG can discriminate arterial from venous compression and then potentially inter-scalene from other levels of compressions. As such, it opens new perspectives in evaluation and treatment of TOS.
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Arterias , Fotopletismografía , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico , Venas , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/fisiopatología , Adulto , Venas/fisiopatología , Arterias/fisiopatología , Persona de Mediana Edad , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
Background/aim: Considering that there is no specifically designed scale to measure quality of life (QoL) and level of functioning among Turkish-speaking patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), the aim of this study was to adapt the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Index (TOSI) to the Turkish language (TOSI-TR) and analyze its psychometric properties in patients with TOS. Materials and methods: Thirty-nine patients with symptomatic TOS were included in the study. The participants were assessed using the following measures: the QuickDASH, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), and a visual analog scale (VAS). The psychometric properties of the TOSI-TR were examined in terms of test-retest reliability, construct validity, convergent validity, and feasibility. Results: The ICC2,1 of the TOSI-TR was 0.949 (95% CI: 0.903-0.973). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was found to be 0.716 with a significant result for Bartlett's sphericity test (p < 0.001). The TOSI-TR had a one-factor solution explaining 74.05% of the total variance. There was a significant correlation between TOSI-TR scores and QuickDASH (r = 0.762, p < 0.001), WORC (r =0.794, p < 0.001), and VAS (r = 0.663, p < 0.001) scores. The WORC and VAS scores were significant determinants of the TOSI-TR score, explaining 65.3% of the variance. There were no floor or ceiling effects. Conclusion: The TOSI-TR is a reliable, valid, and feasible questionnaire for the QoL and functional status in Turkish-speaking patients with TOS. We recommend this 15-item scale for optimal assessment in patients with TOS.
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Psicometría , Calidad de Vida , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/fisiopatología , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/diagnóstico , Turquía , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Encuestas y Cuestionarios/normas , Persona de Mediana Edad , Comparación Transcultural , Adulto Joven , LenguajeRESUMEN
Objectives: The coexistence of arterial compression with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is associated with a better post-surgical outcome. Forearm transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcpO2) using the minimal decrease from rest of oxygen pressure (DROPmin) can provide an objective estimation of forearm ischemia in TOS. We hypothesized that a linear relationship exists between the prevalence of symptoms (PREVs) and DROPmin during 90° abduction external rotation (AER) provocative maneuvers. Thereafter, we aimed to estimate the proportion of TOS for which arterial participation is present. Methods: Starting in 2019, we simultaneously recorded forearm TcpO2 recordings (PF6000 Perimed®) and the presence/absence of ipsilateral symptoms during two consecutive 30 s AER maneuvers for all patients with suspected TOS. We retrospectively analyzed the relationship between the prevalence of symptoms and DROPmin results. We estimated the number of cases where ischemia likely played a role in the symptoms, assuming that the relationship should start from zero in the absence of ischemia and increase linearly to a plateau of 100% for the most severe ischemia. Results: We obtained 2560 TcpO2 results in 646 subjects (69% females). The correlation between PREVs and DROPmin was 0.443 (p < 0.001). From these results, we estimated the arterial participation in TOS symptoms to be 22.2% of our 1669 symptomatic upper limbs. Conclusions: TcpO2 appears to be an interesting tool to argue for an arterial role in symptoms in TOS. Arterial participation is frequent in TOS. Whether DROPmin could predict treatment outcomes better than the sole presence of compression is an interesting direction for the future.
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BACKGROUND: We evaluated the impact of completion intraoperative venography on clinical outcomes for axillosubclavian vein (AxSCV) thrombosis owing to venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective, single-center review of all patients with vTOS treated with first rib resection (FRR) and intraoperative venography from 2011 to 2023. We reviewed intraoperative venographic films to classify findings and collected demographics, clinical and perioperative variables, and clinical outcomes. Primary end points were symptomatic relief and primary patency at 3 months and 1 year. Secondary end points were time free from symptoms, reintervention rate, perioperative complications, and mortality. RESULTS: Fifty-one AxSCVs (49 patients; mean age, 31.3 ± 12.6 years; 52.9% female) were treated for vTOS with FRR and external venolysis followed by completion intraoperative venography with a mean follow up of 15.5 ± 13.5 months. Before FRR, 32 underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis (62.7%). Completion intraoperative venography identified 16 patients with no stenosis (group 1, 31.3%), 17 with no stenosis after angioplasty (group 2, 33.3%), 10 with residual stenosis after angioplasty (group 3, 19.7%), and 8 with complete occlusion (group 4, 15.7%). The overall symptomatic relief was 44 of 51 (86.3%) and did not differ between venographic classifications (group 1, 14 of 16; group 2, 13 of 17; group 3, 10 of 10; and group 4, 7 of 8; log-rank test, P = .5). The overall 3-month and 1-year primary patency was 42 of 43 (97.7%) and 32 of 33 (97.0%), respectively (group 1, 16 of 16 and 9 of 9; group 2, 16 of 17 and 12 of 13; group 3, 10 of 10, 5 of 5; group 4, primary patency not obtained). There was one asymptomatic rethrombosis that resolved with anticoagulation, and three patients underwent reintervention with venous angioplasty for significant symptom recurrence an average 2.89 ± 1.7 months after FRR. CONCLUSIONS: Our single-center retrospective study demonstrates that FRR with completion intraoperative venography has excellent symptomatic relief and short- and mid-term patency despite residual venous stenosis and complete occlusion. Although completion intraoperative venographic classification did not correlate with adverse outcomes, this protocol yielded excellent results and provides important clinical data for postoperative management. Our results also support a conservative approach to AxSCV occlusion identified after FRR.
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Flebografía , Costillas , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico , Grado de Desobstrucción Vascular , Humanos , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/diagnóstico por imagen , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/cirugía , Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico/fisiopatología , Femenino , Masculino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Adulto , Costillas/cirugía , Costillas/diagnóstico por imagen , Adulto Joven , Resultado del Tratamiento , Persona de Mediana Edad , Osteotomía/efectos adversos , Factores de Tiempo , Vena Subclavia/diagnóstico por imagen , Vena Subclavia/cirugía , Vena Axilar/diagnóstico por imagen , Vena Axilar/cirugía , Cuidados Intraoperatorios , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Terapia Trombolítica/efectos adversosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Surgical decompression via transaxillary first rib resection (TFRR) is often performed in patients presenting with venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS). We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of TFRR based on chronicity of completely occluded axillosubclavian veins in VTOS. METHODS: We performed a retrospective institutional review of all patients who underwent TFRR for VTOS and had a completely occluded axillosubclavian vein between 2003 and 2022. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the time of inciting VTOS event to TFRR acuity of their venous occlusion: <4 weeks, 4 to 12 weeks, and >12 weeks. We evaluated the association of TFRR timing with 1-year outcomes, including patency and symptomatic improvement. We used the χ2 test to compare baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 103 patients underwent TFRR for VTOS with a completely occluded axillosubclavian vein (median age, 30.0 years; 42.7% female; 8.8% non-White), of whom 28 had occlusion at <4 weeks, 36 had occlusion at 4 to 12 weeks, and 39 had occlusion at >12 weeks. Postoperative venogram performed 2 to 3 weeks after TFRR demonstrated that 78.6% in the <4 weeks group, 72.2% in the 4- to 12-weeks group, and 61.5% in the >12 weeks group had some degree of recanalization (P = .76). Postoperative balloon angioplasty was successfully performed in 60 patients with stenosed or occluded axillosubclavian vein at the time of postoperative venogram. At the 10- to 14-month follow-up, 79.2% of the <4 weeks group, 73.3% of the 4- to 12-weeks group, and 73.3% of the >12 weeks group had patent axillosubclavian veins based on duplex ultrasound examination (P = .86). Among patients who underwent postoperative balloon angioplasty, 80.0%, 85.0% and 100% in the <4 weeks, 4- to 12-weeks, and >12 weeks groups respectively demonstrated patency at 10 to 14 months (P = .31). Symptomatic improvement was reported in 95.7% in the <4 weeks group, 96.7% in the 4- to 12-weeks group, and 93.5% in the >12 weeks group (P = .84). CONCLUSIONS: TFRR offers excellent postoperative outcomes for patients with symptomatic VTOS, even in cases of completely occluded axillosubclavian veins, regardless of the chronicity of the occlusion. By 14 months, 95.2% of patients experienced symptomatic improvement, and 75% attained venous patency.