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

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.

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.

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"?.

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.

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.

Síndrome del desfiladero torácico neurogénico causado por la arteria escapular descendente: comunicación de un caso / Neurogenic thoracic gland syndrome caused by the descending descending artery: case report

El síndrome del desfiladero torácico es una entidad clínica compleja que abarca varias situaciones donde hay compresión del paquete vásculo-nervioso que suministra las extremidades superiores en el canal cervicotorácico. El síndrome se puede dividir en neurogénico y vascular de acuerdo con la estructura comprometida, siendo la primera la más frecuente. Entre las causas descritas están las costillas cervicales, anomalías de la primera costilla, músculos anómalos o hipertrofiados, traumatismos y tumores de la región. Describimos el caso de una paciente de 47 años que presenta un cuadro de cervicobraquialgia asociado con parestesias y paresia en la mano izquierda compatible con síndrome del desfiladero torácico en que la causa de la compresión era la arteria escapular descendente. Fue realizada una revisión de la literatura siendo encontrado sólo un caso similar.

The thoracic outlet syndrome is a complex clinical entity that encompasses several situations where there is compression of the neurovascular bundle that supplies the upper limbs in the cervicothoracic channel. It can be divided in neurogenic and vascular according to the structure committed, the first being the most frequently found. Among the causes described there are cervical ribs, anomalies of the first rib, anomalous or hypertrophied muscles, trauma and tumors of the region. We report the case of a 47 year old patient who presents with a clinical picture of cervicobrachialgia associated with paresthesia and paresis on the left hand compatible with thoracic outlet syndrome in which the cause of compression was the descending scapular artery.We conducted a literature review and found only one similar case.

Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome: a 32-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Clinical manifestations of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) differ depending on the compromised anatomic structure. Arterial TOS is the least common (1-5% of all cases of TOS), yet the most threatening, due to the risk of limb loss. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients treated for arterial TOS between January 1979 and June 2012. Medical records and diagnostic images were reviewed, and follow-up was obtained. RESULTS: Nineteen procedures were performed in 18 patients for symptomatic arterial TOS. The average age was 34 years (range 16-69 years), and 12 patients were female (63.2%). Surgical indications were upper limb critical ischemia in 8 (acute in 5 cases and acute-on-chronic in 3 cases) and claudication in 11. Imaging studies revealed a subclavian aneurysm in 7 patients, stenosis in 4 patients, and 2 patients with subclavian artery occlusion. The 6 remaining cases had symptoms caused by arterial compression in dynamic studies without arterial wall damage at rest. All limbs underwent surgery with outlet decompression; in addition, 13 underwent arterial reconstruction, and 7 were treated for distal embolic complications. There were no deaths, amputations, or early reoperations; 1 patient was readmitted 2 weeks after surgery for chylothorax, which resolved with conservative measures. During a mean follow-up of 155.8±103.1 months, 1 patient underwent successful reintervention at 4 months for bypass occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial TOS is an infrequent but relevant manifestation of TOS. An accurate and early diagnosis allows for timely surgery and adequate results, as shown in this group of patients.

Subclavius posticus muscle: a case report

A rare case of subclavius posticus muscle observed in a male cadaver is reported here. Presence of such accessory muscles have been recognized as possible causes of neurovascular compression syndromes in this region. It has been suggested by several authors that presence of accessory muscles like subclavius posticus can be a potential cause of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Es reportado un caso raro de músculo subclavio posticus observado en un cadáver de sexo masculino. La presencia de tales músculos accesorios ha sido reconocida como posible causa de los síndromes de compresión neurovascular en esta región. Varios autores han sugerido que la presencia de músculos accesorios como subclavio posticus, puede ser una causa potencial del síndrome de salida torácica.

Cervical rib fracture: an unusual etiology of thoracic outlet syndrome in a child.

Thoracic outlet syndrome in children is an extremely rare disorder. Only 5 previous reports were presented in the literature with a description of thoracic outlet syndrome in 8 children. In these cases, the diagnosis of a cervical rib was common. We describe a case of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome in a 9-year-old patient where the initial symptoms occurred 2 months after a fall. Clinically, the patient developed progressive pain, numbness and tingling along the inner surface of the left forearm and in the palmar surface of the fourth finger and lateral aspect of the fifth finger. A plain radiography showed a cervical rib fracture and an electrophysiologic study suggested the presence of left lower brachial plexus neuropathy. Her fractured cervical rib was resected through a supraclavicular approach. Her symptoms resolved completely in the postoperative period. Although very rare one should keep in mind the possibility of thoracic outlet syndrome in children, especially with a history of trauma over the shoulder girdle presenting with a cervical rib and a lower brachial plexopathy.

Síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico: revisäo / Thoracic outlet syndrome: a review

Neste trabalho os autores fazem uma revisäo critica da literatura relativa aos vários aspectos da síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico. Os conceitos, das síndromes neurológica verdadeira e atípica e da síndrome vascular do desfiladeiro torácico, säo comentados, destacando se os aspectos clínicos, etiológicos, radiológicos e eletrofisiológicos. Em funçäo do diagnóstico correto destas entidades, säo comentadas as possibilidade terapêuticas, bem como os resultados e as complicaçöes do tratamento

Reciprocal compression between the axillary artery and brachial plexus.

Angiographic studies were performed on 60 of 394 patients diagnosed as having thoracic outlet syndrome. Ten of the patients studied angiographically presented with obstruction of contrast material in the axilla with refilling of the axillary artery through the external mammary and shoulder arteries. The obstruction was caused by lower trunk brachial plexus compression. This seldom known cause of hyperabduction syndrome occurred in 2.5 per cent of the patients examined for thoracic outlet syndrome. Surgical treatment consists of loosening the axillary artery by tying off the external mammary and circumflex arteries, followed by section and anastomosis of the axillary artery anteriorly to the brachial plexus. Angiography is considered a basic diagnostic procedure, mainly when concomitant compression occurs and gives good dynamic information on the location and importance of the compression.