Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of symptoms caused by the compression of neurovascular structures of the superior thoracic outlet. The knowledge of its clinical presentation with specific symptoms, as well as proper imaging examinations, ranging from plain radiographs to ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, may help achieve a precise diagnosis. Once TOS is recognized, proper treatment may comprise a conservative or a surgical approach.

Under pressure: a head-to-toe review of vascular compression syndromes.

Vascular compression syndromes are a group of conditions resulting from mechanical compression of blood vessels by adjacent structures leading to compromised blood flow and various associated symptoms. They frequently affect young, otherwise healthy individuals and are often underdiagnosed due to their rarity and vague clinical manifestations. Achieving an accurate diagnosis depends on the integration of clinical presentation and imaging findings. Imaging modalities including color doppler ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and catheter-directed digital subtraction angiography are essential for diagnosis and management. Dynamic imaging is crucial in eliciting findings due to the positional nature of many of these syndromes. In this paper, we will present a "head-to-toe" overview of vascular compression syndromes including Vascular Eagle Syndrome, Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Quadrilateral Space Syndrome, Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome, Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome, Renal Artery Entrapment Syndrome, Left Renal Vein Compression/Nutcracker Syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome, Adductor Canal Syndrome, and Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome. Treatment is variable but typically involves a combination of conservative and surgical management. Surgical approaches focus on decompression of affected neurovascular structures. Endovascular treatment alone is rarely recommended. We aim to equip general radiologists with the knowledge needed to accurately diagnose patients with vascular compression syndromes, allowing for timely treatment.

Analysis of completion intraoperative venography during first rib resection for venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

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.

Surgical outcomes for occluded venous thoracic outlet syndrome following transaxillary first rib resection.

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.

The supraclavicular approach to decompression of the thoracic outlet.

Surgical decompression of the thoracic outlet, along with treatment of the involved nerve or vessel, is the accepted treatment modality when indicated. Although neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is often operated via the axillary approach and venous TOS via the paraclavicular approach, arterial TOS is almost always operated via the supraclavicular approach. The supraclavicular approach provides excellent access to the artery, brachial plexus, phrenic nerve, and the cervical and/or first ribs, along with any bony or fibrous or muscular abnormality that may be causing compression of the neurovascular structures. Even for neurogenic TOS, for which the axillary approach offers good cosmesis, the supraclavicular approach helps with adequate decompression while preserving the first rib. This approach may also be sufficient for thin patients with venous TOS. For arterial TOS, a supraclavicular incision usually suffices for excision of bony abnormality and repair of the subclavian artery.

A review of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome.

Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition in which anatomic abnormalities in the thoracic outlet cause compression of the subclavian or, less commonly, axillary artery. Patients are usually younger and typically have an anatomic abnormality causing the compression. The condition usually goes undiagnosed until patients present with signs of acute or chronic hand or arm ischemia. Workup of this condition includes a thorough history and physical examination; chest x-ray to identify potential anatomic abnormalities; and arterial imaging, such as computed tomographic angiography or duplex to identify arterial abnormalities. Patients will usually require operative intervention, given their symptomatic presentation. Intervention should always include decompression of the thoracic outlet with at least a first-rib resection and any other structures causing external compression. If the artery is identified to have intimal damage, mural thrombus, or is aneurysmal, then arterial reconstruction is warranted. Stenting should be avoided due to external compression. In patients with symptoms of embolization, a combination of embolectomy, lytic catheter placement, and/or therapeutic anticoagulation should be done. Typically, patients have excellent outcomes, with resolution of symptoms and high patency of the bypass graft, although patients with distal embolization may require finger amputation.

Trans-axillary thoracic outlet decompression.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of conditions thought to be caused by the compression of neurovascular structures going to the upper extremity. TOS is a difficult disease to diagnose, and surgical treatment remains challenging. Many different surgical techniques for the treatment of TOS have been described in the literature and many reasonable to good outcomes have been reported, which makes it hard for surgeons to determine which techniques should be used. Our aim was to describe the rationale, techniques, and outcomes associated with the surgical treatment of TOS. Most patients in our center are treated primarily through a trans-axillary approach. We will elaborate on the technical details of performing trans-axillary thoracic outlet decompression. The essential steps during surgery are illustrated with videos. We focused on the idea behind performing a trans-axillary thoracic outlet decompression in primary cases. Institutional data on the outcomes of this surgical approach are described briefly.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery and robotic-assisted first-rib excision and thoracic outlet syndrome decompression.

Multiple surgical approaches have been used in the management of thoracic outlet syndrome. These approaches have traditionally been "open" approaches and have been associated with the inherent morbidities of an open approach, including a risk of injury to the neurovascular structures due to traction and trauma while resecting the first rib. In addition, there has been concern that recurrence of symptoms may be related to incomplete resection of the rib with conventional open techniques. With the advent of minimally invasive thoracic surgery, surgeons began to explore first-rib resection via a thoracoscopic approach. Unfortunately, the existing video-assisted thoracic surgery technology and equipment was not well suited to working in the apex of the chest. With the introduction and subsequent progress in robotic surgery and instrumentation, this dissection can be performed with all the advantages of robotics, but also with minimal traction and trauma to the neurovascular structures, and incorporates almost complete resection of the rib with minimal residual stump. Robotics has developed as a reliable, safe, and less invasive approach to first-rib resection, yielding excellent results while limiting the morbidity of the procedure.

The infraclavicular approach for venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) is an esoteric condition that presents in young, healthy adults. Treatment includes catheter-directed thrombolysis, followed by first-rib resection for decompression of the thoracic outlet. Various techniques for first-rib resection have been described with successful outcomes. The infraclavicular approach is well-suited to treat the most medial structures that are anatomically relevant for vTOS. A narrative review was conducted to specifically examine the literature on infraclavicular exposure for vTOS. The technique for this operation is described, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. The infraclavicular approach is a reasonable choice for definitive treatment of uncomplicated vTOS.

Current concepts in clinical features and diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome.

The diagnosis and clinical features of thoracic outlet syndrome have long confounded clinicians, owing to heterogeneity in symptom presentation and many overlapping competing diagnoses that are "more common." Despite the advent and prevalence of high-resolution imaging, along with the increasing awareness of the syndrome itself, misdiagnoses and untimely diagnoses can result in significant patient morbidity. The authors aimed to summarize the current concepts in the clinical features and diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Malunion of a clavicle fracture caused thoracic outlet syndrome in a professional violinist.

Clavicle fractures are a common injury in adults. Most patients are treated non-operatively. In this case report, a 53-year-old professional violinist had a midt shaft clavicula fracture and was treated non-operatively. The fracture healed, but the patient developed thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and a venous thrombosis when playing violin. Surgery with restoration of the normal anatomy alleviated the symptoms and six months later she was symptom free and playing violin again. TOS is a rare complication to clavicle fractures and the treating doctors should be aware of the diagnosis.

Thoracic outlet syndrome caused by superior mediastinal mass: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) caused by superior mediastinal soft tissue mass has never been reported in the literature, the aim of this study is to discuss a case of TOS caused by a superior mediastinal mass in which the histopathological examinations of the mass showed vascular malformation. CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old female presented with left upper limb pain and numbness for three months, associated with swelling and attacks of shortness of breath. Imaging studies showed soft tissue mass involving the superior mediastinum. The condition of the patient deteriorated and the signs and symptoms of TOS became clearer, all provocative tests and nerve conduction studies were positive. The patient underwent thoracic outlet decompression. The patient did not respond and the symptoms deteriorated further. After a multidisciplinary board discussion, the patient was prepared for median sternotomy under general anesthesia. A total resection of the mass was done. The patient was totally relieved a few hours after the operation. DISCUSSION: The etiology of TOS can be multifaceted. Several factors contribute to its onset, and these can be categorized as congenital or acquired. Congenital causes include anatomical anomalies such as a cervical rib, or an elongated transverse process of the cervical vertebrae. These anatomical deviations can reduce the size of the thoracic outlet and make it prone to compression. CONCLUSION: Although it is rare, TOS could be due to superior mediastinal mass and the treatment of choice is total resection either through median sternotomy or thoracoscopic procedure.

Videothoracoscopic First Rib Resection for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Results of 13 Patients.

PURPOSE: To present the clinical experience in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) of first rib resection for patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). METHODS: The files of 13 patients (10 males, 3 females) having unilateral NTOS undergoing first rib resection via VATS were retrospectively investigated. The symptoms, operative times, durations of chest tube and hospital stay, complications, and postoperative courses were analyzed. All patients underwent VATS using a camera port and 3-5 cm utility incision. RESULTS: There was no morbidity. The average operation time was 81 ± 11 min (range 65-100 min). Chest tubes were removed in the first or second postoperative day (mean 1.23 ± 0.43 days). The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 2.1 ± 0.9 days (range 1-3 days). The average duration of follow-up was 19 ± 13 months (range 2-38 months). Ten patients completed a follow-up during 6 months. One patient (10%) had minor residual symptoms, and the remaining patients (90%) were fully asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: The VATS approach in the resection of the first rib for thoracic outlet syndrome is a safe method. It should be performed with acceptable risks under experienced hands. The magnified view and optimal visualization from the scope are beneficial. Avoiding neurovascular bundle retraction may seem to decrease the postoperative pain.

[Long-Term Outcomes after Surgery of the Neurogenic Thoracic-Outlet Syndrome in Adolescents]. / Langzeitergebnisse nach Operation des neurogenen Thoracic-Outlet-Syndroms bei Jugendlichen.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (nTOS) describes a complex of symptoms caused by the compression of neural structures at the upper thoracic outlet. Typical symptoms include pain, numbness and motor weakness of the affected extremity. The incidence of nTOS is 2-3 per 100,000 and is highest between the ages of 25 and 40. There are only a few studies evaluating the surgical outcomes of nTOS in adolescent patients. In particular, there is a lack of long-term data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study of nTOS cases receiving surgical treatment in our clinic between 2002 and 2021, eight patients between 15 and 18 years of age were included. Demographic data, risk factors, clinical symptoms, clinical functional tests, neurophysiological, radiological and intraoperative findings were evaluated. Postoperative data were recorded using a standardised questionnaire. Decompression of the inferior truncus and the C8 and Th1 nerve roots was performed via a supraclavicular approach. RESULTS: The average duration of symptoms before surgery was two years. Of the eight patients who underwent surgery, six answered the written questionnaire and could be analysed for the study. The average follow-up was nine years (1-18 years). After surgery, all patients experienced pain reduction; three were pain-free in the long run and five no longer required pain medication. Strength improved in all patients, but two patients still had mild motor deficits. Sensory disturbances were reduced in all patients, but residual hypoesthesia persisted in five. With regard to overhead work, half of the patients had no impairment after surgery. All patients were able to work at the time of the survey. Half of the patients pursued their sports activities without impairment, while mild impairment was reported by the other half. CONCLUSION: nTOS in adolescents is a rare compression syndrome. Decompression of the lower parts of the brachial plexus using a supraclavicular approach without resection of the first rib is an adequate treatment. This retrospective study showed that a reduction in pain was achieved in all patients. In some patients, slight sensory and motor disturbances as well as a certain restriction in overhead work persisted. Patients were able to return to sports.

Surgical Management of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Exploring the Efficacy of the Posterior Intermuscular Approach in Cases Involving Bone Anomalies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This article presents a cohort study focusing on neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) caused by bone anomalies in the cervicothoracic region, specifically the extraforaminal area and the scalene triangle. Our aim was to contribute to understanding NTOS diagnosis and management, particularly in patients with bone anomalies, and to highlight the potential benefits of the posterior intermuscular approach as a surgical option in this particular patient group. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the patients who underwent surgery for NTOS with accessory ribs or an elongated cervical vertebrae 7 (C7) transverse process (n = 9). Patients' clinical data, preoperative neurophysiological tests, cervical computed tomography (CT) scans, CT angiography, and postoperative cervical CT scans were reviewed. A single experienced surgeon used the posterior intermuscular approach on all patients. The accessory rib and/or elongated C7 transverse process and fibrous bands were removed; C7, C8, and T1 branches of the plexus were decompressed; and neurolysis was performed. Quality of life, a functional outcome, was measured by using Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and pain was measured using visual analog scale scores. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time after surgery was 7 months (range: 4-10 months). Before surgery, the mean DASH score was 55.8 ± 5.6. At the 3- and 6-month postoperative evaluations, the mean DASH scores decreased to 15.7 ± 5.8 and 15.4 ± 5.7, respectively. The mean visual analog scale score was 8.2/10 before surgery and decreased to 2.4/10 and 2.1/10 at the 3- and 6-month postoperative evaluations, respectively. All patients experienced good or excellent recovery at the 3- and 6-month postoperative evaluations. CONCLUSION: Cervicothoracic extraforaminal area may be the primary site of nerve compression in NTOS, and posterior decompression using the posterior intermuscular approach can provide efficient access to extraforaminal nerve roots.

Double Trouble: Combined Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Tear.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and superior labrum anterior posterior tears are usually treated in a staged manner due to different post-operative therapy needs. This case describes successful combined surgery with expedited physical therapy.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Caused by a Primary Tumour in the Brachial Plexus.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) caused by a primary brachial plexus tumour is very rare. A male politician in his 40s presented with numbness, left limb pain and positive Wright and Roos test results. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tumour located just below the clavicle, compressing the subclavian artery during left arm elevation. Despite concerns regarding postoperative nerve deficits, surgery was performed because of worsening symptoms during the election campaigns. The pathology report revealed a schwannoma. Few reports have described TOS caused by primary tumours of the brachial plexus. While the decision to perform surgery for primary tumours of the brachial plexus requires careful consideration, surgery may be indicated in cases where the tumour location causes such symptoms. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Evaluation of the socioprofessional consequences of thoracic outlet syndrome.

PURPOSE: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a ductal syndrome that can have a significant functional impact. Various studies have highlighted positional factors and repetitive movements as risk factors for the development of TOS. However, there are few literature data on the socioprofessional consequences of TOS. METHODS: We performed a prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, multicentre study of workers having received a Doppler ultrasound diagnosis of TOS between December 17th, 2018, and March 16th, 2021. Immediately after their diagnosis, patients completed a self-questionnaire on the impact of TOS on their work activities. We assessed the frequency of TOS-related difficulties at work and the associated socioprofessional consequences. Trial Registration Number (TRN) is NCT03780647 and date of registration December 18, 2018. RESULTS: Eighty-two participants (95.3%) reported difficulties at work. Seventy-seven of the participants with difficulties (94%) worked in the tertiary sector; these difficulties were due to prolonged maintenance of a posture, carrying loads, and repetitive movements. Although the majority of participants experienced organizational problems and lacked support at work, few of them had approached support organizations, expert and/or healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS: TOS was almost always associated with difficulties at work (95.3%). However, poor awareness of sources of help or a perceived lack of need may discourage people with TOS from taking steps to resolve these difficulties. It is clear that the socioprofessional management of TOS requires significant improvements.

Diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome with the lower trunk compression of brachial plexus by high-frequency ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) with the lower trunk compression of brachial plexus (BP) is difficult to diagnosis. This study aimed to summarize the features of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) with the lower trunk compression of brachial plexus observed on high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS). METHODS: The ultrasound data of 27 patients who had TOS with the lower trunk compression of brachial plexus were collected and eventually confirmed by surgery. The imaging data were compared, and the pathogenesis of TOS was analyzed on the basis of surgical data. RESULTS: TOS occurred predominantly in females (70.4%). Most cases had unilateral involvement (92.6%), mainly on the right side (66.7%). The HFUS features of TOS can be summarized as follows: (1) Lower trunk compression. HFUS revealed focal thinning that reflected compression at the level of the lower trunk; furthermore, the distal part of the nerve was thickened for edema (Affected side: 0.49 ± 0.12 cm vs. Healthy side: 0.38 ± 0.06, P = 0.009), and the cross-sectional area of brachial plexus cords was markedly greater on the injured side than on the healthy side (0.95 ± 0.08 cm² vs. 0.65 ± 0.11 cm², P = 0.004). (2) Hyperechoic fibromuscular bands behind the compressed nerve (mostly the scalenus minimus muscle). (3) Abnormal bony structures: cervical ribs or elongated transverse processes of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7). Surgical results showed that the etiological factors contributing to TOS were (1) muscle hypertrophy and/or fibrosis (100%) and (2) cervical ribs/elongated C7 transverse processes (20.7%). CONCLUSION: TOS with the lower trunk compression of brachial plexus can be diagnosed accurately and reliably by high-frequency ultrasound.