Diez años de resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome de la salida torácica / Ten years of surgical treatment's results for thoracic outlet syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome de la salida torácica abarca diversos trastornos, que se producen como consecuencia de la compresión intermitente o persistente de los distintos elementos que salen del tórax hacia el brazo y ocasionan síntomas vasculares, neurológicos o combinados, los cuales frecuentemente tienen una indicación quirúrgica para su resolución. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de diez años de experiencia del tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome de la salida torácica en los pacientes intervenidos en el Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", de Guantánamo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal en pacientes diagnosticados en el servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", de Guantánamo, con el síndrome de la salida torácica, los cuales se sometieron a tratamiento quirúrgico en el período 2009-2019. Se evaluaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, síndromes diagnosticados, técnicas quirúrgicas, complicaciones, y sintomatología antes y después de la cirugía. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino, fundamentalmente entre 40 y 50 años. El dolor fue el síntoma predominante y el síndrome más diagnosticado resultó el costo-clavicular. Se destacó como la técnica quirúrgica más empleada la desinserción del escaleno anterior, seguida por la resección de la primera costilla. La lesión pleural y neural aparecieron como las complicaciones más frecuentes. Se constató la mejoría clínica de los pacientes luego de la intervención quirúrgica en la mayoría de los casos. Conclusiones: Se demostró que el tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome de la salida torácica puede ser una alternativa efectiva para los pacientes aquejados por esta entidad(AU)

Introduction: Thoracic outlet syndrome covers various disorders, which occur as a result of intermittent or persistent compression of the different elements that leave the chest to the arm and cause vascular, neurological or combined symptoms, which often have a surgical indication for their resolution. Objective: Assess the results of ten years of experience in the surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome in patients operated on at "Dr. Agostinho Neto" General Teaching Hospital in Guantánamo. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in patients diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome in the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service of "Dr. Agostinho Neto" General Teaching Hospital, Guantánamo , who underwent surgical treatment in the period 2009-2019. The following variables were evaluated: age, sex, diagnosed syndromes, surgical techniques, complications, and symptoms before and after surgery. Results: The female sex predominated, mainly in the ages from 40 to 50. Pain was the predominant symptom, and the costo-clavicular syndrome turned out to be the most diagnosed one. The most used surgical technique was the disinsertion of the anterior scalene, followed by the resection of the first rib. Pleural and neural injury appeared as the most frequent complications. The clinical improvement of patients after surgical intervention was found in most cases. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome can be an effective alternative for patients suffering from this entity(AU)

Small but viscious: the subclavius posticus muscle / Pequeño pero vicioso: el músculo subclavius posticus

SUMMARY: Accessory muscles of the neck are rare and are of clinical significance when present. During routine dissection of head and neck, two accessory muscles were found in the neck region of two cadavers, both male, one on the right and the other on the left. Both muscles took origin from the superior margin of the scapula and the insertion of the first muscle was to the clavicle, merging with subclavius and the second muscle got inserted to the first rib near the costochondral junction. This paper highlights the clinical significance and embryological aspects of such accessory muscles in the neck region.

RESUMEN: Los músculos accesorios del cuello son infrecuentes y tienen importancia clínica cuando están presentes. Durante la disección de rutina de la cabeza y el cuello, se encontraron dos músculos accesorios en la región del cuello de dos cadáveres, ambos de sexo masculino, uno a la derecha y otro a la izquierda. Ambos músculos se originaban en el margen superior de la escápula y la inserción del primer músculo se extendía a la clavícula, fusionándose con el músculo subclavio. El segundo músculo se insertó en la primera costilla cerca de la unión costocondral. Este artículo destaca la importancia clínica y los aspectos embriológicos de dichos músculos accesorios en la región del cuello.

Resección de la primera costilla por videotoracoscopía en síndrome de Paget-Schroetter / Resection of the first rib by video thoracoscopy in Paget-Schroetter syndrome

Resumen El síndrome del opérculo torácico se refiere a una serie de signos y síntomas que se producen por la compresión del paquete vásculo-nervioso en la unión costo-clavicular. El síndrome de Paget-Schroetter (SPS) se define como la trombosis primaria, espontánea o de esfuerzo de la vena subclavia. Las vías de abordaje quirúrgicas tradicionales utilizadas para descomprimir el opérculo torácico son la trans axilar y las claviculares (supra e infra). El objetivo del estudio fue describir nuestra experiencia en la resección de la primera costilla por videotoracoscopía (VATS). Este es un estudio descriptivo observacional utilizando una base de datos prospectiva con análisis retrospectivo desde enero de 2017 a marzo de 2020. Se incluyeron 9 pacientes con diagnóstico de SPS en los que se resecó la primera costilla por VATS. En un paciente el procedimiento fue bilateral por presentar trombosis espontánea en ambas venas subclavias. De los 9, 6 eran mujeres. La edad media fue de 30.7 ± 10.7 años. La estadía hospitalaria media fue de 3.1 ± 0.5 días. Uno fue re-operado por hemotórax. No se detectaron recurrencias en el seguimiento a mediano-largo plazo. La resección de la primera costilla por VATS es un procedimiento seguro y factible. La misma, a diferencia de los abordajes tradicionales, puede ser resecada bajo visión directa de todos los elementos del opérculo torácico. Sin embargo, esta técnica requiere un manejo avanzado en cirugía toracoscópica.

Abstract Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to a number of signs and symptoms that arise from compression of the neurovascular bundle at the costoclavicular junction. Paget-Schroetter syndrome is defined as the primary, spontaneous or effort thrombosis of the subclavian vein. The supraclavicular and trans-axillary approaches are currently the most commonly used for first rib resection. The aim of this article was to describe our experience in a minimally invasive approach (VATS) of first rib resection for primary venous thoracic outlet and the associated outcomes. This is a descriptive observational study using a retrospective analysis of a prospective database from January 2017 to March 2020. Nine patients underwent video thoracoscopic first rib resection due to PagetSchroetter syndrome (one bilateral procedure). Ten thoracoscopic first rib resections were performed. There were 6 female and 3 male patients, with a mean age of 30.7 ± 10.7 years. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.1 ± 0.5 days. No complications were recorded intraoperatively. One patient had to be re-operated because of hemothorax. There were no recurrences in a follow-up of at least 12 months. VATS resection of the first rib is a safe and feasible procedure and can be performed under direct vision of thoracic outlet elements. However, the technique requires experience with thoracoscopic surgery. The outcomes associated with our technique are comparable with the outcomes related to other current standards of care.

Tratamento cirúrgico da forma arterial da síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico associado à costela cervical / Surgical treatment of cervical rib-associated arterial thoracic outlet syndrome

Resumo A forma arterial da síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico é rara e está associada a uma anomalia anatômica, geralmente uma costela cervical. Suas manifestações são muito variadas. Este artigo tem como proposta relatar dois casos de apresentações clínicas distintas: microembolização e aneurisma. Em ambos, uma costela cervical estava presente. O diagnóstico foi realizado através da história, do exame físico, das manobras posturais e das radiografias. A angiotomografia computadorizada proporcionou o detalhe anatômico necessário para o planejamento operatório. O tratamento cirúrgico foi realizado pela abordagem supraclavicular, com sucesso em ambos casos.

Abstract The arterial form of thoracic outlet syndrome is rare and is associated with anatomic anomalies, generally a cervical rib. It has a varied range of manifestations. The aim of this article is to describe two cases with different clinical presentations: microembolization and aneurysm. A cervical rib was present in both cases. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history, physical examination, postural maneuvers, and X-rays. Computed tomography angiography provided the anatomic detail necessary to plan surgery. Surgical treatment was performed via supraclavicular access, successfully, in both cases.

Tratamento de oclusão arterial em membro superior causada por costela cervical / Treatment of upper limb arterial occlusion caused by a cervical rib

Resumo A síndrome da costela cervical ocorre quando o triângulo intercostoescalênico é ocupado por uma costela cervical, deslocando o plexo braquial e a artéria subclávia anteriormente, o que pode gerar dor e espasmo muscular. O objetivo deste estudo é discutir sobre o diagnóstico da síndrome da costela cervical e as possibilidades de tratamento. Este desafio terapêutico descreve a condução clínica e cirúrgica de uma paciente de 37 anos com obstrução arterial em membro superior causada por costela cervical.

Abstract The cervical rib syndrome occurs when the interscalene triangle is occupied by a cervical rib, displacing the brachial plexus and the subclavian artery forward, which can cause pain and muscle spasms. The objective of this study is to discuss diagnosis of the cervical rib syndrome and treatment possibilities. This therapeutic challenge describes clinical and surgical management of a 37-year-old female patient with upper limb arterial occlusion caused by a cervical rib.

Incidental finding of thoracic outlet syndrome in a case of right tubal ruptured ectopic pregnancy

A 30-year-old woman, (multigravida) suffering from lower abdominal pain and slight vaginal bleeding was transferred to our hospital. She came with a pelvic ultrasound report. The provisional diagnosis of right tubal ectopic pregnancy was made. A laparotomy was carried out. Intraoperatively, blood pressure in both the arms were taken which revealed different blood pressure in different arms. A diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome was made. No postoperative complications were observed.

Cervical rib which resembles original thoracic rib presenting with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS): literature review with a case report / Costilla cervical que se asemeja a una costilla torácica presentándose con síndrome de salida torácica (SST): revisión de la literatura a partir de un caso clínico

The cervical rib (CR) is a rare skeletal anomaly, which generally articulated with the transverse process of the 7th cervical vertebra, and commonly lead to compression of neurovascular structures in the region of the thoracic outlet. CRs are divided into 2 classes as complete and incomplete forms. A clarifying description of the so-called complete CR form has not been found with sufficient information in the literature. We aimed to present a novel case of an anomalous, supernumerary, extra, or additional rib which arises from the seventh cervical vertebra. We present the case of a 23-year-old female who presented with a mass described as slowgrowing since her childhood in the supraclavicular region. The patient complained of pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty in lifting her right arm, which increased gradually over in the last 6 months. Physical examination revealed findings of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Radiographic analysis demonstrated a huge cervical rib, which resembles the size of a real thoracic rib. The cervical rib was completely resected through the supraclavicular approach. There is not enough data in theliterature about different morphologic properties of CRs. It is presented with 3-D CT images before and after surgical resection. The final version of the transformation of C7 transverse process to an original Thoracic Rib is shown. As a result, the following question presented, can it be called a Zeroth Rib?.

La costilla cervical (CC) es una anomalía esquelética rara, que generalmente se articula con el proceso transverso de la séptima vértebra cervical y generalmente conduce a la compresión de estructuras neurovasculares en la región de salida torácica. Las CC se dividen en 2 clases, como formas completas e incompletas. No se ha encontrado una descripción aclaratoria de la forma completa de CC, con información insuficiente en la literatura. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar un nuevo caso de costilla anómala, supernumeraria, extra o adicional que surge de la séptima vértebra cervical. Exponemos el caso de una mujer de 23 años que presentó una masa descrita como de crecimiento lento desde su infancia en la región supraclavicular. La paciente relató dolor, entumecimiento, debilidad y dificultad para levantar el miembro superior derecho, con un aumento gradual de sus síntomas en los últimos 6 meses. El examen físico reveló hallazgos del síndrome de salida torácica (SST). El análisis radiográfico demostró una costilla cervical de tamaño importante, que se asemejaba al tamaño de una costilla torácica real. La costilla cervical fue resecada completamente a través de un abordaje supraclavicular. No hay suficientes datos en la literatura sobre las diferentes características morfológicas de las CC. Se presentan imágenes tridimensionales de tomogracía computarizada, antes y después de la resección quirúrgica. Se muestra la versión final de la transformación del proceso transverso de C7 a una costilla torácica original. Como resultado, se plantea la siguiente pregunta, ¿se puede denominar a esta costilla como "costilla cero"?.

Evaluation of the efficacy of ropivacaine injection in the anterior and middle scalene muscles guided by ultrasonography in the treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

SUMMARY A clinical, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trial with two parallel groups. OBJECTIVE to evaluate the efficacy of ropivacaine injection in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles, guided by ultrasonography, in the treatment of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) compared to cutaneous pressure. METHODS 38 patients, 19 in the control group (skin pressure in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles) and 19 in the intervention group (ropivacaine). Subjects with a diagnosis of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, pain in upper limbs and/or neck, with no radiculopathy or neurological involvement of the limb affected due to compressive or encephalic root causes were included. The primary endpoint was functionality, evaluated by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand - DASH scale validated for use in Brasil. The time of the evaluations were T0 = before the intervention; T1 = immediately after; T2 = 1 week; T3 = 4 weeks; T4 = 12 weeks; for T1, the DASH scale was not applied. RESULTS Concerning the DASH scale, it is possible to affirm with statistical significance (p> 0.05) that the intervention group presented an improvement of functionality at four weeks, which was maintained by the 12th week. CONCLUSION In practical terms, we concluded that a 0.375% injection of ropivacaine at doses of 2.5 ml in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles, guided by ultrasonography, in the treatment of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome helps to improve function.

RESUMO Ensaio clínico, controlado por placebo, aleatorizado, duplo-cego, com dois braços paralelos. OBJETIVO Avaliar a eficácia da injeção de ropivacaína em cada ventre dos músculos escalenos anterior e médio, guiada por ultrassonografia, no tratamento da Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico Neurogênico inespecífico comparado com o toque cutâneo. MÉTODOS Trinta e oito pacientes, sendo 19 no grupo controle (toque cutâneo em cada ventre dos músculos escalenos anterior e médio) e 19 no grupo intervenção (ropivacaína). Foram incluídos sujeitos com diagnóstico de Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico Neurogênico inespecífico com dor em membros superiores e/ou cervicalgia sem radiculopatia ou comprometimento neurológico do membro em questão por causas radiculares compressivas ou encefálicas. O desfecho primário foi a funcionalidade avaliada pela escala Disabilitie of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand - Dash, validada no Brasil. O tempo das avaliações foram T0 = antes da intervenção; T1 = imediatamente após, T2 = 1 semana, T3 = 4 semanas e T4 = 12 semanas, sendo que para o T1 não foi aplicado o Dash. RESULTADOS Com relação ao Dash, de forma estatisticamente significante (p>0,05), é possível afirmar que o grupo intervenção apresentou melhora da funcionalidade a partir de quatro semanas, e essa melhora se manteve até a 12a semana. CONCLUSÃO Em termos práticos, conclui-se que a injeção de ropivacaína 0,375% nas doses de 2,5 ml em cada ventre dos músculos escalenos anterior e médio, guiada por ultrassonografia, no tratamento da Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico Neurogênico inespecífico auxilia na melhora da função.

Troisier sign and Virchow node: the anatomy and pathology of pulmonary adenocarcinoma metastasis to a supraclavicular lymph node

ABSTRACT: Metastatic spread of cancer via the thoracic duct may lead to an enlargement of the left supraclavicular node, known as the Virchow node (VN), leading to an appreciable mass that can be recognized clinically ­ a Troisier sign. The VN is of profound clinical importance; however, there have been few studies of its regional anatomical relationships. Our report presents a case of a Troisier sign/VN discovered during cadaveric dissection in an individual whose cause of death was, reportedly, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The VN was found to arise from an antecedent pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Our report includes a regional study of the anatomy as well as relevant gross pathology and histopathology. Our anatomical findings suggest that the VN may contribute to vascular thoracic outlet syndrome as well as the brachial plexopathy of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Further, the VN has the potential to cause compression of the phrenic nerve, contributing to unilateral phrenic neuropathy and subsequent dyspnea. Recognition of the Troisier sign/VN is of great clinical importance. Similarly, an appreciation of the anatomy surrounding the VN, and the potential for the enlarged node to encroach on neurovascular structures, is also important in the study of a patient. The presence of a Troisier sign/VN should be assessed when thoracic outlet syndrome and phrenic neuropathy are suspected. Conversely, when a VN is identified, the possibility of concomitant or subsequent thoracic outlet syndrome and phrenic neuropathy should be considered.

Progress in diagnosis and therapy of thoracic outlet syndrome / 中国骨伤

Thoracic outlet syndrome(TOS) are constellation of symptoms caused by compression of the neurovascular bundle including the brachial plexus, the subclavian artery and the subclavian vein at the thoracic outlet region. It includes neurogenic TOS, venus TOS, arterial TOS, and neurogenic TOS is the most common type. TOS has varied manifestations and lack of confirmatory testing, therefore, the diagnosis should be conbination with thorough history, physical examination and associated supplementary examinations. Conservative and surgical treatment can be choosed for TOS and the outcomes are generally good. Conservative management is the initial treatment strategy for neurogenic TOS. In cases of symptomatic vascular TOS and neurovascular TOS, which has been failed by conservative treatment, surgery should be considered more promptly.

Progressive Brachial Plexus Palsy after Fixation of Clavicle Shaft Nonunion: A Case Report

The brachial plexus palsy is a rare complication of a clavicle fracture, occurring in 0.5% to 9.0% of cases. This condition is caused by excessive callus formation, which can be recovered by a spur resection and surgical fixation. In contrast, only seven cases have been reported after surgical reduction and fixation. A case of progressive brachial plexus palsy was observed after fixation of the displaced nonunion of a clavicle fracture. The symptom were improved after removing the implant.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Induced by Huge Lipoma: A Case Report / 대한신경손상학회지

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a relatively well known disease. Other than trauma, this disease is mostly caused by anatomical structures that cause vascular or neural compression. The cause of thoracic outlet syndrome is diverse; however, there are only few reports of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by lipoma in the pectoralis minor space. We report a case of compression of the lower trunk of brachial plexus in which a large lipoma that developed in the pectoral minor space grew into the subclavicular space, along with a review of literature.

Síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico: uma revisão narrativa / Thoracic outlet syndrome: a narrative review

RESUMO A Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico (SDT) é causada pela compressão do plexo braquial, artéria subclávia e veia subclávia na região do desfiladeiro torácico. Estas estruturas podem ser comprimidas entre a clavícula e a primeira costela ou por um número de variações anatômicas. A compressão neurológica é a forma mais comum da síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico. Complicações vasculares ocorrem com pouca frequência. Complicações arteriais geralmente resultam da compressão da artéria subclávia por costela cervical completa. As complicações venosas estão muitas vezes relacionadas à compressão muscular da veia subclávia. A forma neurogênica, anteriormente descrita, é a mais comum, constituindo mais de 95% dos casos. Já a forma venosa representa 2% a 3% e, a arterial, cerca de 1% dos casos. Fatores de risco incluem biótipo e variações individuais, como genética, idade e sexo. No Brasil, não há dados acerca da epidemiologia da SDT. Diante da suspeita de SDT é necessária uma avaliação clínica detalhada, seguida de exames complementares para elucidação da causa. O tratamento é direcionado de acordo com a etiologia e a presença ou não de complicações. A proposta do presente trabalho foi realizar uma revisão narrativa sobre a SDT, versando sobre sua etiologia, fisiopatologia, epidemiologia, avaliação clínica, exames complementares, diagnósticos diferenciais e tratamento.

ABSTRACT The Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) results from compression of the brachial plexus, the subclavian artery and the subclavian vein in the thoracic outlet region. This compression may take place between the clavicle and the first rib or by a number of anatomical variations. Neurological compression is the most common form of thoracic outlet syndrome. Vascular complications occur infrequently. Arterial complications usually result from compression of the subclavian artery by a complete cervical rib. Venous complications are often related to muscle compression of the subclavian vein. The neurogenic form, previously described, is the most common, constituting more than 95% of cases, while the venous represents 2% to 3%, and the arterial, about 1%. Risk factors include biotype and individual variations such as genetics, age and gender. In Brazil, there are no data on the epidemiology of TOS. Given the suspicion of TOS, a detailed clinical evaluation is necessary, followed by complementary exams to elucidate the cause. The treatment is directed according to the etiology and the presence or absence of complications. The purpose of this study was to perform a narrative review on TOS, focusing on its etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical evaluation, complementary exams, differential diagnoses, and treatment.

Innervation of subclavius muscle: an anatomical study / Inervación del músculo subclavio: un estudio anatómico

This study was aimed to provide accurate parameters to localize the nerve endings for subclavius muscle belly and to investigate the basic information on nerve innervations on subclavius muscle. Twenty-two adult non-embalmed cadavers (7 males and 4 females) with a mean age of 68.7 years (range, 43-88 years) were enrolled for the present study. For measurements, the most prominent point of the sternal end of the clavicle (SEC) on anterior view and the most prominent point of the acromial end of the clavicle (AEC) were identified as the reference point. A line connecting the SEC and AEC was used as a reference line. Among all the measured points, 92.2 % of the points were gathered from 40 to 60 distances on the reference line. In one male specimen, both the sides of the nerve to the subclavius were merged with the phrenic nerve. It is further hypothesized that the basic anatomical results about the nerve branching pattern will be helpful in the clinical field.

El objetivo de este estudio fue proporcionar parámetros precisos para localizar las terminaciones nerviosas correspondientes al músculo subclavio e investigar la información básica sobre la inervación de los nervios en el músculo subclavio. Fueron incluidos 22 cadáveres adultos no fijados (7 hombres y 4 mujeres) con una edad media de 68,7 años (rango: 43-88 años). Para las mediciones se identificaron como punto de referencia, el punto más prominente del extremo esternal de la clavícula (SEC) en la vista anterior y el punto más prominente de la parte acromial de la clavícula (AEC). Se utilizó una línea que conecta la SEC y AEC como línea de referencia. Entre todos los puntos medidos, el 92,2 % de los puntos se obtuvieron de 40 a 60 distancias en la línea de referencia. En un espécimen masculino, a ambos lados, el nervio del músculo subclavio se presentó fusionado con el nervio frénico. Además, se plantea la hipótesis de que los resultados anatómicos básicos sobre el patrón de ramificación nerviosa serán útiles en el campo clínico.

Subclavius posticus muscle with anomalous posterior insertion: case report / Músculo subclavius posticus con inserción posterior anómala: reporte de un caso

SUMMARY: During routine anatomical dissection of the left supraclavicular and infraclavicular regions of a male cadaver, a supernumerary muscle was observed, which, by its position and insertions, consistent with the subclavius posticus muscle (posterior subclavius muscle). It had its anterior insertion by a thin tendon in the cranial surface of the first costal cartilage next to the subclavius muscle's insertion, and ran dorso-laterally crossing over the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels to end on the posterior surface of the serratus anterior muscle's fascia near to the superior margin of the scapula, without taking insertion on it, which differentiates it from the muscles described in the bibliography. This aberrant muscle has clinical implication since it has been described as a cause of thoracic outlet syndrome and it may appear in diagnostic imaging techniques simulating different pathological processes.

RESUMEN: Durante una disección de rutina de las regiones supraclavicular e infraclavicular izquierdas de un cadáver masculino, observamos un músculo supernumerario, el cual según su ubicación, origen e inserción, se corresponde con la descripción del músculo subclavius posticus (subclavio posterior). Presenta su inserción anterior mediante un delgado tendón en la cara superior del primer cartílago costal, a un lado de la inserción del músculo subclavio, y corre hacia posterior y lateral, cruzando por encima de los troncos del plexo braquial y los vasos subclavios para terminar en la superficie posterior de la fascia del músculo serrato anterior, cerca del margen superior de la escápula, sin prestar inserción en él, lo cual lo diferencia de los músculos descritos en la bibliografía. Este músculo tiene implicancia clínica debido a que ha sido descrito como causa del síndrome del estrecho superior torácico, y puede aparecer simulando procesos patológicos en estudios por imágenes.

Concomitant neurogenic and vascular thoracic outlet syndrome due to multiple exostoses

We report a rare case of multiple hereditary exostosis where patient presented with bilateral base of neck exostoses with concurrent compression of brachial plexus and subclavian artery and vein. The patient was a young 26-year-old woman with chief complaints of pain in the left upper extremity, paresthesia in the left ring and little finger, and weakness in hand movement and grip. On referral, history, physical examination, radiological imaging, and electrodiagnostic tests evaluated the patient. Due to severe pain and disability in performing routine activities, surgical intervention was necessary. In the current case, the patient had thoracic outlet syndrome with concomitant venous, arterial, and neurogenic sub types. Radial pulse returned and pain associated with brachial plexus compression was resolved after the surgery.

Upper Limb Pain and Paresthesia in a Post-Stroke Patient Treated with Ultrasound-Guided Electrical Twitch-Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation (ETOIMS) of Scalene Muscles

In post-stroke patients, the pain or paresthesia of the affected limb is common. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of pathologic conditions. Considering the debilitating effects of the pain, it is important to determine the exact cause and manage appropriately. A 41-year-old woman who had experienced a hemorrhagic lesion in the right basal ganglia and corona radiata 4 months previously presented with an irritating tingling sensation in her left upper extremity. She failed to respond to a number of treatment options including medications and physical agent modalities. Following a diagnosis of disputed thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) caused by scalene muscle dysfunctions, she received ultrasound-guided electrical twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS) which significantly alleviated the pain. This case suggests that the disputed TOS should be considered as one of the possible causes of post-stroke pain, and that detailed history-taking and physical examination, as well as imaging or electrophysiological studies, might be required for accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, ultrasound-guided ETOIMS can be used as a safe and minimally invasive technique for the treatment of the disputed TOS with fewer systemic and local side effects.

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an uncommon condition that can occur when the nerves, artery, or vein to the arm is compressed by one or more of the structures that make up the thoracic outlet. TOS was the first compression neuropathy of the upper extremity to be identified. The wide variability of patients' symptoms, which include vascular and neural signs, as well as diffuse symptoms, and the lack of a valid and reliable test to confirm the diagnosis of TOS makes it difficult to identify correctly patients with TOS. Rates of three to 80 cases per 1,000 patients have been reported, but more patients are likely to have TOS because it is underestimated. Additionally, the primary controversy regarding patients with TOS is related to symptoms such as paresthesia, numbness, and pain. No positive objective test exists to confirm an accurate diagnosis. If patients present with diffuse pain and numbness in the neck and upper extremity with more than 2 provocation tests, TOS could be considered. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the causes, classification, evaluation, and management of TOS.

Evaluation of Complications after Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is necessary when non-surgical treatments fail. Complications of surgical procedures vary from short-term post-surgical pain to permanent disability. The outcome of TOS surgery is affected by the visibility during the operation. In this study, we have compared the complications arising during the supraclavicular and the transaxillary approaches to determine the appropriate approach for TOS surgery. METHODS: In this study, 448 patients with symptoms of TOS were assessed. The male-to-female ratio was approximately 1:4, and the mean age was 34.5 years. Overall, 102 operations were performed, including unilateral, bilateral, and reoperations, and the patients were retrospectively evaluated. Of the 102 patients, 63 underwent the supraclavicular approach, 32 underwent the transaxillary approach, and 7 underwent the transaxillary approach followed by the supraclavicular approach. Complications were evaluated over 24 months. RESULTS: The prevalence of pneumothorax, hemothorax, and vessel injuries in the transaxillary and the supraclavicular approaches was equal. We found more permanent and transient brachial plexus injuries in the case of the transaxillary approach than in the case of the supraclavicular approach, but the difference was not statistically significant. Persistent pain and symptoms were significantly more common in patients who underwent the transaxillary approach (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The supraclavicular approach seems to be the more effective technique of the two because it offers the surgeon better access to the brachial plexus and a direct view. This approach for a TOS operation offers a better surgical outcome and lower reoperation rates than the transaxillary method. Our results showed the supraclavicular approach to be the preferred method for TOS operations.

Ataque cerebrovascular recurrente secundario a síndrome del opérculo torácico arterial causado por sinostosis de la primera y la segunda costillas torácicas: reporte de caso / Recurrent Stroke Secondary to Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Caused by First and Second Ribs Synostosis: Case Report

El ataque cerebrovascular recurrente (ACV) es una complicación rara del síndrome del opérculo torácico arterial. Presentamos un paciente de 24 años con isquemia del miembro superior derecho y ACV recurrente en territorio vertebro basilar secundario a estenosis y aneurisma de la arteria subclavia, causado por sinostosis de la primera y segunda costillas torácicas. El paciente fue tratado quirúrgicamente con costocondrectomía y escalenectomía bilateral, resección de aneurisma de la arteria subclavia derecha y anastomosis primaria. Se analizó el caso y se revisó la literatura pertinente sobre ACV y síndrome de opérculo torácico arterial.

Stroke is a rare complication of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome. We present a 24-year old man with right arm ischemia and recurrent vertebrobasilar stroke caused by synostosis of the first and second thoracic ribs. The patien was treated with supraclavicular resection of both first ribs and bilateral scalenectomy, aneurysmal resection and primary anastomosis of the right subclavian artery. We analize this case and review the pertinent literature on stroke and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome.