[Thoracic outlet syndromes. Arteriographic aspects]. / Sindromi dello stretto superiore del torace. Quadri arteriografici.

ABSTRACT

Chest outlet syndromes are characterized by pain symptomatology caused by (congenital or acquired reasons) compression of the vasculo-nervous bundle. After a brief mention of the anatomy of the question, the indications and angiographic technique are reported, special reference being made to certain positions and dynamic tests which increase symptomatology and highlight arteriographic findings. These are clearly identifiable in the pictures and offer documentary evidence of the cervical rib syndrome, scalenus syndrome, small pectoral syndrome, the hyperabduction syndrome and the costoclavicular syndrome. Differential diagnosis should consider a number of painful syndromes of the upper extremity of purely neurological interest (involvement of the brachial plexus). Vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis, Takayasu's disease, etc., osteo-myo-articular and ORL sector diseases should also be taken into account. Arteriography is able to identify with precision the causes of the clinical syndrome and to guide surgical exploration of the supraclavicular fossa with excellent chances of success.