Possible role of the botulinum toxin in the management of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is related to the compression and/or the traction of the upper-limb neurovascular bundle, responsible for a chronic painful impairment. Neurogenic TOS (NTOS) is the most common manifestation. It remains a challenging diagnosis and its treatment is also difficult. Botulinum toxin (BTX) has been described to help both the diagnosis and the symptoms improvement. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature research was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Embase databases to collect studies reporting the use of BTX in NTOS management. We followed the PRISMA guidelines, and the included studies were evaluated using the GRADE approach. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We included 10 original articles representing 555 patients. Various outcomes were considered, and results varied from a study to another. Symptoms relief varied from an absence of BTX effectiveness to 84.1% of improvement; relief duration was also reported from none to 88 days. BTX injections were debatable predictors of surgical procedure successes due to low evidence. There was a huge gap between the studies concerning side-effects of the BTX procedures, from none to 100% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence for considering BTX injection as a validated tool for the management of NTOS. There might be a slight effect on symptoms, but outcomes are very variable, which prevents further interpretations. The use of BTX should be evaluated in larger prospective cohorts with more standardized outcomes.

Novel Ultrasound-guided Injection Method for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Based on Anatomical Features: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the positive effect of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections in thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) treatment, there is insufficient anatomical evidence of its use in the anterior scalene (AS) and middle scalene (MS) muscles. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide safer and more effective guidelines for the injection of botulinum neurotoxin into scalene muscles for the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: The study was based on an anatomical study and ultrasound studies. SETTING: This study was conducted at the Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Human Identification Research Institute, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry (Seoul, Republic of Korea. METHODS: Ten living volunteers underwent ultrasonography, and the depths of the anterior scalene (AS) and middle scalene (MS) muscles were calculated from the skin surface. In cadaveric specimens, fifteen AS and 13 MS muscles were stained using the Sihler staining procedure; the neural arborization pattern was identified, and localized dense portions were investigated. RESULTS: The mean depth of the AS was 9.19 ± 1.56 mm, and that of the MS was 11.64 ± 2.73 mm at 1.5 cm above the clavicle. At 3 cm above the clavicle, the AS and MS were clearly located 8.12 ± 1.90 mm and 10.99 ± 2.52 mm deep, respectively. The nerve ending points were highest in the lower three-quarters of the AS (11/15 cases) and MS muscles (8/13 cases), followed by the lower quarter (AS muscle, 4/15 cases; MS muscle, 3/13 cases). LIMITATIONS: There are many difficulties for clinics to directly perform ultrasound-guided injections in clinical practice. However, results of this study can be used as basic data. CONCLUSION: According to anatomical features, the appropriate location for botulinum neurotoxin injection in the AS and MS muscles for the treatment of TOS is the lower portion of the scalene muscles. Therefore, it is recommended to inject at a depth of approximately 8 mm for AS and 11 mm for MS at a point 3 cm above the clavicle.

Systematic Review on Botulinum Toxin Injections as Diagnostic or Therapeutic Tool in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The optimal diagnostic and treatment algorithm for patients with suspected thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) remains challenging. Botulinum toxin (BTX) muscle injections have been suggested to shrink muscles in the thoracic outlet reducing neurovascular compression. This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic and therapeutic value of BTX injections in TOS. METHODS: A systematic review of studies reporting BTX as a diagnostic or therapeutic tool in TOS (or pectoralis minor syndrome as TOS subtype) was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases on May 26, 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was followed. Primary end point was symptom reduction after primary procedure. Secondary end points were symptom reduction after repeated procedures, the degree of symptom reduction, complications, and duration of clinical effect. RESULTS: Eight studies (1 randomized controlled trial [RCT], 1 prospective cohort study, and 6 retrospective cohort studies) were included reporting 716 procedures in at least 497 patients (at minimum 350 primary and 25 repeated procedures, residual unclear) diagnosed with presumably only neurogenic TOS. Except for the RCT, the methodological quality was fair to poor. All studies were designed on an intention to treat basis, one also investigated BTX as a diagnostic tool to differentiate pectoralis minor syndrome from costoclavicular compression. Reduction of symptoms was reported in 46-63% of primary procedures; no significant difference was found in the RCT. The effect of repeated procedures could not be determined. Degree of symptom reduction was reported by up to 30-42% on the Short-form McGill Pain scale and up to 40 mm on a visual analog scale. Complication rates varied among studies, no major complications were reported. Symptom relief ranged from 1 to 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Based on limited quality evidence, BTX may provide short-lasting symptom relief in some neurogenic TOS patients but remains overall undecided. The role of BTX for treatment of vascular TOS and as a diagnostic tool in TOS is currently unexploited.

Impact of Scalene Muscle Botulinum Toxin Injection With and Without Surgery in Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Scalene blocks are part of both the diagnostic and treatment algorithm for patients presenting with symptoms of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS). However, there is a paucity of data on the utility of scalene botulinum toxin injection (BTI) before surgical decompression. We sought to determine the impact of BTI with and without surgery at a multidisciplinary referral center. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single institution tertiary academic center, 2011 to 2020. PATIENTS: Seventy-seven consecutive patients. INTERVENTIONS: Scalene muscle BTI for nTOS with or without surgical decompression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain relief and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH) score. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients, with a mean age of 31.4 years, had BTI for symptoms of nTOS. All patients underwent pretreatment physical therapy through the Edgelow protocol for a mean duration of 3.4 months. However, 72.7% had dynamic vascular compression on duplex ultrasound with provocative maneuvers and 85.7% had a positive physical examination finding. After BTI, 77.9% reported subjective relief, confirmed by an improved QDASH disability score. Thirty-one patients (40.3%) then went on to have further persistent symptoms and proceeded with first rib resection. After BTI + Surgery, 96.8% reported symptomatic relief and had a median QDASH score improvement of 21 (range: 10-40), with all reaching minimal clinically important differences in the QDASH score after combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this reported series of chemodenervation in patients with nTOS, BTI is helpful in alleviating symptoms before definitive surgical decompression. BTI followed by first rib resection provides additional symptom improvement over BTI alone.

Role of Botulinum Toxin in Pectoralis Minor Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) causes neurogenic symptoms in 95% of the cases due to neurovascular bundle compression. The treatment goal is the decompression of the neurovascular structures. In the last decade, non-surgical treatments have been evaluated as a treatment option for spastic syndromes and thoracic outlet syndrome. In this study we report the use of botulinum toxin (BTX-A) injection as a diagnostic tool to identify the pectoral minor syndrome, and as a less aggressive treatment-option. METHODS: An observational cohort study of patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome who underwent sonographically guided chemodenervation of pectoral minor muscle with botulinum toxin. Follow-up includes clinical evaluation at one month, 3 months and 6 months after the procedure. Clinical evaluation was made with clinical questionnaire. In case of patients with partial improvement of the symptoms, a second infiltration of BTX-A was performed. The categorical variables were shown as percentages, and the continuous variables as mean and standard deviation (SD). For the comparison of categorical variables, the Fisher's exact test was used. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 20.0 program. We consider P <0.05 to be statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of twenty-six patients were diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome in this period, and 20 accomplished the inclusion criteria. 7 patients were excluded (1 due to neoplasia, 2 did not sign the informed consent, 1 due to neoplasia, 2 did not sign the informed consent, 1 was lost during the follow-up and 3 due to anomalies of the first rib secondary to fractures and cervical rib and 1 was lost during the follow-up), therefore a sample of 13 patients aged between 24 and 55 years was obtained. The most common type of procedure performed was the single injection of 50 IU of botulinum toxin. 4 patients were infiltrated in 2 occasions due to partial improvement in symptoms at 1month follow-up. Clinical stability was found at three months and at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound-guided botulinum injection of the pectoralis minor muscles provides symptoms relief in patients with pectoral minor syndrome, and could be considered a safe tool in the diagnosis of the pectoralis minor syndrome within the spectrum of thoracic operculum syndrome.

The treatment of upper extremities deep vein thrombosis related to thoracic outlet syndrome with direct oral anticoagulants.

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS) is a manifestation of venous symptoms that occurs when the subclavian vein is compressed and it may present clinically with acute venous thrombosis of the axillo-subclavian vein. Evidence for the optimal approach to the management of this condition is sparse and actually anticoagulation alone is not considered an option. Herein we reported our experience with direct oral anticoagulants in patients with upper extremities deep vein thrombosis, due to VTOS, who refused endovascular approach or surgery.

Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and other Forms of Cervical Brachial Syndrome Treated with Plasma Concentrate Enriched for Alpha 2 Macroglobulin.

BACKGROUND: Existing therapies for myofascial and neuralgic forms of cervicobrachial pain may have unsatisfactory outcomes. Alternative therapies may be considered, particularly for individuals who have failed to respond. Contemporary conceptualizations of chronic pain mechanisms include the contribution of inflammatory factors; therefore, locally targeted antiinflammatory administrations may play a role in treatment of cervicobrachial pain.Alpha 2 macroglobulin (A2M) is a plasma protein that acts as a molecular trap for inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor. After plasma is enriched for A2M, it may be considered as a possible injectable agent to counteract inflammation that may occur with a cervicobrachial pain syndrome. OBJECTIVES: This retrospective review evaluates patient response to the use of plasma concentrate enriched for alpha 2 macroglobulin (A2M-PPP) in treatment of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and other forms of cervical brachial syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Observational Study. SETTING: Outpatient interventional neurology practice. METHODS: There were 62 patients, including 46 women and 16 men ages 23-77 years. Twenty-three of these patients were diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or fibromyalgia, 18 with TOS, and 21 with musculotendinous pain (MTP). At baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, patient status was evaluated with a Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) that included a composite pain score and a functional interference score. Patients were asked to estimate overall satisfaction with a Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale. Criterion for clinically significant improvement included >30% betterment in the BPI pain and functional interference subscales and a PGIC of > 5 at the 3-month mark. RESULTS: Three patients, one with CRPS and 2 with TOS, complained of several days of worsened pain or dysesthesias. No serious or permanent complications were encountered. For patients with TOS at the 3-month mark, 61% achieved clinical endpoints of success compared with 35% with CRPS/fibromyalgia and 24% for patients with MTP (P < 0.05, chi-square). By 6 months, 22% of individuals in the neuropathic TOS group had > 30% improvements in pain and functional interference scores compared with 13% of the individuals in the CRPS/fibromyalgia group and 18% in the MTP group. LIMITATIONS: This article does not differentiate the added benefit of A2M-PPP from hydrodissection alone. Additionally, this article does not evaluate the actual benefit of the A2M molecule apart from other factors present in the platelet-poor concentrate such as exosomes and cytokines. With the advent of pure engineered A2M, more focused studies will be possible. Also, an independent assay was not done, and therefore we cannot be precisely sure about the exact quantity of platelets, if any, which were contained in the platelet-poor concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that A2M-PPP, when injected into muscle, tendon, and epineurium with live ultrasound guidance, appears to be relatively safe and free of postinjection inflammatory reactions that are often seen after platelet-poor plasma injection. A2M-PPP appears to be associated more frequently with good outcomes when injected into brachial plexus targets in patients with TOS compared with outcomes observed after injection of the plexus in patients with CRPS/fibromyalgia. KEY WORDS: Plasma concentrate enriched for alpha 2 macroglobulin, neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical brachial syndrome.

Sonographically guided botulinum toxin injections in patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: correlation with surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the role of botulinum toxin (BTX) injections of anterior scalene (AS) and pectoralis minor (PM) muscles in patients undergoing surgery for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). We hypothesized that symptomatic improvement from BTX injections correlates with favorable long-term response to surgery for NTOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant study was approved by the institutional review board and prior informed consent requirement was waived. We retrospectively analyzed prospectively acquired data in NTOS patients who underwent sonographically guided chemodenervation of AS and PM using BTX type A followed by scalenectomy and first rib resection. Overall responses to BTX injections and surgery were recorded after each procedure. Statistical analyses were performed to determine correlation between responses to BTX injections and surgery. RESULTS: In 157 patients, 178 BTX injections followed by surgery were identified (114 females; mean age 38 ± 13 years). Responders and non-responders to BTX injections and surgery had similar preoperative symptom duration and age (P > 0.14). Better response to BTX injections correlated positively with better response to surgery (P = 0.003), persisting after adjustment for age, gender, and symptom duration (P = 0.03). A high proportion of responders to BTX injections also responded to surgery (positive predictive value of 99%), and BTX injections showed high specificity (90%). BTX injections were moderately sensitive (66%) and accurate (67%) to determine surgical response and had low negative predictive value (14%). CONCLUSION: Response to BTX injections correlates positively with long-term surgical outcome in subjects with NTOS, potentially playing an important role in patient management.

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

OBJECTIVE: 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.

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.

Comparison of Athletes and Nonathletes Undergoing Thoracic Outlet Decompression for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is the most common form of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and may occur from injury, occupational stress, or athletic endeavors. Although most patients with NTOS will improve after first-rib resection and scalenectomy (FRRS), the prognostic risk factors for success remain unclear. Athletes are a very motivated and disciplined demographic and therefore should be a group more likely to respond to FRRS for NTOS than nonathletes. We hypothesized that athletes would do better after FRRS than nonathletes despite the added physical stress that sporting activity imposes. METHODS: We reviewed our office records for all patients treated for TOS from July 2009 to May 2014 and extracted demographic, historical, procedural, and follow-up data. We contacted these patients to complete a survey to assess patient-centered outcomes of FRRS and compared athlete versus nonathlete survey responses. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-four patients had FRRS for NTOS, and 184 (33%) responded to the survey. Of the 184 who responded, 97 were athletes (53%) and 87 were nonathletes (47%). Survey results suggested that 87% were improved in pain medication use (athletes 93% vs. nonathletes 80%, P = 0.013), 77% would undergo FRRS on the contralateral side if needed (athletes 75% vs. nonathletes 79%, P = 0.49), 73% had resolution of TOS symptoms (athletes 80% vs. nonathletes 65%, P = 0.02), and 86% could perform activities of daily living without limitation (athletes 95% vs. nonathletes 77%, P = 0.0004). Although 24% of respondents required another non-TOS procedure (athletes 27% vs. nonathletes 22%, P = 0.6), 89% felt that they had made the right decision (athletes 93% vs. nonathletes 80%, P = 0.09). Multivariable analysis of age, race, gender, previous surgery, preoperative physical therapy, preoperative narcotic use, and athletic status confirmed that athletic status was a significant predictor for improvement in pain medication use, complete TOS resolution, and the ability to perform activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients undergoing FRRS for NTOS are improved and satisfied with the result and indicate they made the correct choice to have FRRS. Although being an athlete was an independent variable for better outcomes in activity and pain medication use, their satisfaction after FRRS was similar to that in nonathletes. Further investigation is needed to determine if these findings are due to physical and/or psychosocial factors.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treated With Injecting Botulinum Toxin Into Middle Scalene Muscle and Pectoral Muscle Interfascial Planes: A Case Report.

Thoracic outlet compression syndrome is a complex syndrome of neurovascular compression at the superior thoracic aperture, thought to occur at 1 of 3 anatomical compartments: the interscalene triangle, the costoclavicular space, and the retropectoralis minor space. Injection into the middle interscalene muscle (ISM) and/or pectoralis muscle plane (PECS I and II) is gaining popularity because it provides significant symptomatic relief. A 44-year-old woman was diagnosed with thoracic outlet compression syndrome, with failed conservative therapy, including physical therapy. She refused surgical intervention. ISM and PECS I and II blocks with botulinum toxin type A were successful. In combination, PECS I/II and ISM injections can provide excellent symptomatic relief.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS): A case report of a rare complication after Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum.

RATIONALE: The Nuss procedure has become a major alternative operation for patients with pectus excavatum (PE). PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a case of 27-year-old man with PE who developed thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) after the Nuss procedure. The patient showed clinical symptoms of brachial plexus compression. DIAGNOSES: Further evaluation demonstrated a narrowed space between the first rib and the anterior scalene muscle and compressing the brachial plexus and vessels. INTERVENTIONS: Nerve nourishing medicine and rehabilitation exercising were taken to restore the muscle strength. OUTCOMES: Several months later, the clinical symptoms disappeared. LESSONS: Medicine and rehabilitation exercising may benefit the functional recovery of impaired nerve in TOS in the early stage of TOS.

T1 Paravertebral Catheter for Postoperative Pain Management After First Rib Resection for Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Case Report.

While it has been shown that a paravertebral block provides effective postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing thoracic surgeries, including first rib resection, this is the first reported case of a paravertebral catheter used for perioperative analgesia in a patient undergoing first rib resection. We present the case of a 76-year-old woman with right upper extremity swelling who underwent infraclavicular first rib resection for venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Continuous infusion of ropivacaine through a T1 paravertebral catheter, which was placed before induction of general anesthesia but after T1 and T2 paravertebral blocks, provided effective postoperative pain control. Our experience suggests that paravertebral catheter infusions of local anesthetics may be effective adjuncts to general anesthesia in patients undergoing first rib resection and warrants further investigation.

Comparison between Steroid Injection and Stretching Exercise on the Scalene of Patients with Upper Extremity Paresthesia: Randomized Cross-Over Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the therapeutic effects on upper extremity paresthesia of intra-muscular steroid injections into the scalene muscle with those of stretching exercise only. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with upper extremity paresthesia who met the criteria were recruited to participate in this single-blind, crossover study. Fourteen of 20 patients were female. The average age was 45.0 ± 10.5 years and duration of symptom was 12.2 ± 8.7 months. Each participant completed one injection and daily exercise program for 2 weeks. After randomization, half of all patients received ultrasound-guided injection of scalene muscles before exercise, while the other was invested for the other patients. RESULTS: After two weeks, there was a significant decrease of the visual analog scale score of treatment effect compared with baseline in both groups (6.90 to 2.85 after injection and 5.65 to 4.05 after stretching exercise, p<0.01). However, injection resulted in greater improvements than stretching exercise (p<0.01). The number of patients with successful treatment, defined as >50% reduction in post-treatment visual analog scale, was 18 of 20 (90.0%) after injection, compared to 5 of 20 (25.0%) after stretching exercise. There were no cases of unintended brachial plexus block after injection. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided steroid injection or stretching exercise of scalene muscles led to reduced upper extremity paresthesia in patients who present with localized tenderness in the scalene muscle without electrodiagnostic test abnormalities, although injection treatment resulted in more improvements. The results suggest that symptoms relief might result from injection into the muscle alone not related to blockade of the brachial plexus.

A review of thoracic outlet syndrome and the possible role of botulinum toxin in the treatment of this syndrome.

The objective of this paper is to discuss the classification, diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex entity that is characterized by different neurovascular signs and symptoms involving the upper limb. TOS is defined as upper extremity symptoms due to compression of the neurovascular bundle in the area of the neck just above the first rib. Compression is thought to occur at one or more of the three anatomical compartments: the interscalene triangle, the costoclavicular space and the retropectoralis minor spaces. The clinical presentation can include both neurogenic and vascular symptoms. TOS can be difficult to diagnose because there is no standardized objective test that can be used and the clinician must rely on history and several positive findings on physical exam. The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve conduction may be a sensitive way to detect pathology in the lower trunks of the brachial plexus which is promising for future research. Treatment options continue to be conservative and surgical. However, for those who have failed physical therapy there is research to suggest that botulinum toxin may help with symptom relief. However, given that there has been conflicting evidence, further research is required using randomized controlled trials.

Modernizing the treatment of venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

This study aims to quantify the management and outcomes of patients treated for venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) over a seven-year period. A retrospective case-note review of all patients undergoing first rib resection at a regional vascular unit between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2009 was performed. Treatment pathways and outcomes recorded as freedom from symptoms and venous patency were analyzed. Thirty-five patients were identified with vTOS. Ninety-one percent of patients had patent veins at discharge from clinical follow-up and were symptom-free at a median of 44 months. Patients treated within seven days of symptoms (94.7 versus 85.7, P = 0.060), with catheter-directed thrombolysis (94 versus 87.5% P = 0.702) and excision of first rib in less than 30 days (100 versus 85.7%, P = 0.002), had improved symptom-free rates. In conclusion, early referral, immediate catheter-directed thrombolysis, perioperative balloon venoplasty and early thoracic outlet decompression may provide a suitable model for improving outcomes in vTOS.

Vertebral artery dissection complicating occipital injection of heparin for treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome.

A 38-year-old woman with a 2-year history of chronic neck pain radiating down her right arm underwent radiological and neurological evaluations, which revealed no anatomical cause for her pain. She sought alternative therapies including intramuscular heparin injections. Following a right occipital injection of heparin, cyanocobalamin, and lidocaine, she had a sudden cardiorespiratory arrest and was successfully resuscitated, but did not regain consciousness.Computed tomography of the head and neck and subsequent autopsy revealed a right vertebral artery dissection, but at autopsy, no significant subarachnoid hemorrhage was noted at the base of the brain. This is the first case report where heparin (a potent anticoagulant) used in an occipital injection was documented to cause a vertebral artery dissection. It is also the first reported case where radiographically and histologically documented vertebral artery dissection did not present with overwhelming subarachnoid hemorrhage at the base of the brain. The subtle gross anatomical findings in this case highlight the importance of evaluating the cervical spinal cord in any case of sudden cardiorespiratory arrest following even apparently minor neck injury.

Botulinum toxin injection for management of thoracic outlet syndrome: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

We studied the effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections to the scalene muscles on pain in subjects with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in this double-blind, randomized, parallel group trial with follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Thirty-eight patients referred to physiatrists for management of TOS with BTX-A injection were included. One subject was lost to follow-up and all other subjects completed the trial. A 75-unit dose of BTX-A reconstituted with 0.75 cc of normal saline was injected to the anterior scalene (37.5 units) and middle scalene (37.5 units) muscles using electromyographic guidance. The primary outcome measure was pain as measured on a horizontal visual analog scale (VAS) 6 weeks-post-injection. Secondary outcomes were paresthesias measured on a VAS and function measured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short-form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires. For the primary outcome measure of VAS scores for pain at 6 weeks, the difference in the means adjusted for baseline VAS scores between placebo and BTX-A was 5.03 mm in favor of BTX-A (95% confidence interval -15.7 to 5.7, P=.36). Changes in secondary outcome measures were also not statistically significant. We conclude that BTX-A injections to the scalene muscles did not result in clinically or statistically significant improvements in pain, paresthesias, or function in this population of subjects with TOS.