Report and discussion of a study case: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - TOS - is a heterogeneous and potentially dysfunctional group of syndromes related to extrinsic compression of neurovascular structures from the neck to the upper limb for different congenital or acquired anatomical structures, being more frequent the neurological compression, causing a variety of symptoms that vary according to the degree of compression and affected structure that in some cases make it difficult to diagnose. Due to the lack of established diagnostic criteria, the physical exam is the most important element used to formulate a diagnosis. The initial treatment is conservative. The surgical treatment becomes an option with multiple personalized procedures for each type of patient according to the etiology. Objective: The purpose of the article is to discuss the clinical case based on the evidence allowing general knowledge of that pathology, and understanding the causes of pain in the upper limb, to therefore guide medical staff to perform a timely diagnosis and effective treatment that decreases the risk of irreversible complications. Results and conclusions: A study case of a young adult patient presenting neurovascular symptoms due to syncope, left anterior thoracic pain, localized pain in the upper limbs, sensation of lumps in the neck, paresthesia, decrease in muscular strength, edema, pallor and coldness of the limb was presented. A radiological diagnostic test in the accessory cervical rib was performed and later confirmed with a nuclear resonance. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in the left side was diagnosed resulting in surgery. It was necessary to perform supraclavicular approach, scalenotomy, decompression of brachial plexus and subclavian artery. Later, the patient’s health vastly improved. [Lemus CM, Cadena JE, Valle AP, Mateus JC, Lemus JE. Report and discussion of a study case: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. MedUNAB 2015; 18(2):135-143]