胸廓出口综合征的新认识——解剖学与临床观察

目的探讨胸廓出口综合征的病因。方法对３０具６０侧经福尔马林固定的成人尸体小斜角肌及前中斜角肌的起始部进行解剖研究;对５３例胸廓出口综合征手术患者（１９６６～１９９４年４５例,１９９６～１９９７年８例）随访情况进行总结分析。结果解剖研究发现小斜角肌的出现率为８８３％,Ｔ１神经根或其下干在小斜角肌近段起源的腱性组织上跨过;前中斜角肌在颈椎横突的前后结节均有起点,Ｃ５、Ｃ６神经根从前中斜角肌的交叉腱性起点中穿过。４５例１９６６～１９９６年手术者中,有颈肩痛症状者３４例,术后１７例颈肩痛症状仍存在,其中７例加重;８例１９９６～１９９７年手术者中,７例有颈肩痛,术中切断前中斜角肌在Ｃ５～６神经根旁的腱性纤维组织,术后仅有１例仍有颈肩部不适。结论小斜角肌的腱性纤维是臂丛神经下干或Ｔ１神经根受压的原因;前中斜角肌在Ｃ４～５横突前后结节的交叉腱性起点是压迫Ｃ５～６,有时包括Ｃ７神经根或臂丛神经上（中）干的原因     

First rib resection in thoracic outlet syndrome

Most patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) present with exercise-induced upper extremity paresthesia. Neurogenic TOS is the most common type where the brachial nerve plexus is compressed against a tight thoracic outlet. Vascular compromise although rare can result from thoracic outlet pressure against the subclavian artery or more commonly the subclavian vein. This article reviews the pathophysiology of TOS and describes several effective surgical interventions. Complete first rib resection with surgical decompression is an essential part of the treatment for TOS. First rib resection via supraclavicular or a preferred transaxillary route should be considered when conservative modalities provide no symptom improvement.     

Über das Thoracic-outlet-Syndrom

Regarding the etiology of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), congenital bone and/or fibromuscular anomalies, positional characteristics and trauma play a role. Signs and symptoms are extremely variable, depending on whether the compression of the plexus, of the artery or of the vein is predominant. In the clinical examination the AEST test is of utmost importance. The visualization of the subclavian artery and vein by DAS in different positions is mandatory. Less than 5% of the patients show a subclavian artery aneurysm, but 76% have obstructions of digital arteries. Every patient, must undergo a neurological examination including the measuring of the proximal ulnar and median nerve conduction times. Anatomical lesions of the subclavian artery, reduction of the proximal nerve conduction times and high-degree venous compression as well as disabling pain during the night with abuse of analgesics are absolute indications for the decompression of the neurovascular bundle. This is achieved by the transaxillary exarticulation of the first rib together with a cervical rib and fibromuscular bands if present. The results of the primary operation are favourable: completely painfree 85%, markedly improved 12%, unchanged or worse 3%. The results of operations for persisting and recurrent TOS are disappointing: completely painfree 48%, markedly improved 31%, but 21% unchanged or worse.     

Supraclavicular Approach for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The authors' experience with the supraclavicular approach for the treatment of patients with primary thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and for patients with recurrent TOS or iatrogenic brachial plexus injury after prior transaxillary first rib resection is presented. The records of 33 patients (34 plexuses) with TOS who presented for evaluation and treatment were analyzed. Of these, 12 (35%) plexuses underwent surgical treatment, and 22 (65%) plexuses were managed non-operatively. The patients who were treated non-operatively and had an adequate follow-up (n = 11) were used as a control group. Of the 12 surgically treated patients, five patients underwent primary surgery; four patients had secondary surgery for recurrent TOS; and three patients had surgery for iatrogenic brachial plexus injury. All patients presented with severe pain, and most of them had neurologic symptoms. All nine (100%) patients who underwent primary surgery (n = 5) and secondary surgery for recurrent TOS (n = 4) demonstrated excellent or good results. On the other hand, six (54%) of the 11 patients from the control group had some benefit from the non-operative treatment. Reoperation in three patients with iatrogenic brachial plexus injury resulted in good result in one case and in fair results in two patients; however, all patients were pain-free. No complications were encountered. Supraclavicular exploration of the brachial plexus enables precise assessment of the contents of the thoracic inlet area. It allows for safe identification and release of all abnormal anatomical structures and complete first rib resection with minimal risk to neurovascular structures. Additionally, this approach allows for the appropriate nerve reconstruction in cases of prior transaxillary iatrogenic plexus injury.     

Thoracic outlet syndrome in a patient with SAPHO syndrome – A case report

Introduction and ImportanceThoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) includes disorders caused by compression of the neurovascular structures in the upper thoracic outlet (Roos and Owens, 1996 [1]; Bürger, 2014; Curuk, 2020 [3]). Depending on the compressed structure, it is categorized into neurological, arterial and venous TOS.SAPHO syndrome (synovitis–acne–pustulosis–hyperostosis–osteitis syndrome) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. With its typical involvement of sternoclavicular joint and clavicle, complication due to hyperostosis in this region, leading to thrombosis of the subclavian vein have been reported in some cases of SAPHO syndrome.Between 2015 and 2019 488 patients, suffering from neurological, vascular or combined TOS presented at our department. Depending on clinical and diagnostic results surgical therapy was performed in 175 cases via the transaxillary approach, including complete first rib and/or cervical rib resection, neurolysis of plexus brachialis, thoracic sympathectomy and vascular reconstruction if indicated (Curuk, 2020). During this period, only one single patient presented with SAPHO syndrome with thrombosis of the subclavian vein and neurovascular TOS.Case presentationWe present a 50-year-old female patient, in line with the SCARE 2020 criteria (Agha et al., 2020 [12]) suffering from extremely rare combination of neurovascular TOS and SAPHO syndrome with thrombosis of the left subclavian vein due to hyperostosis of the left clavicle.ConclusionProgressive bone changes associated with SAPHO syndrome can lead to narrowing of the thoracic outlet. Pharmacological therapies to avoid the progression of the hyperostosis of the costoclavicular joint and the clavicle do currently not exist. First rib resection is a therapeutic option to widen the space in the upper thoracic region. Surely, it is a rare condition and more long-term follow-up data are required.     

770 Consecutive supraclavicular first rib resections for thoracic outlet syndrome

During a 28-year period, 637 patients underwent 770 supraclavicular first rib resections and scalenectomies for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The neurologic type of TOS was found in 705 cases (92%) and the remaining 65 cases (8%) had the vascular form of TOS. Of those extremities with brachial plexus irritation, the symptom complex consisted of paresthesia in 30 (4%), pain in 221 (31%), and pain with paresthesia in 454 (64%). In the cases of vascular TOS, 47 limbs (6%) had venous complications and 18 limbs (2%) had arterial sequelae. Following supraclavicular scalenectomy and rib resection, an excellent response was achieved in 59% (455 cases) and a good result was achieved in another 27% (206 cases). A fair outcome was present in 13% (95 cases) and a poor result was found in only 1% (13 cases). There was a single occurrence of lymphatic leakage and no brachial plexus injuries resulted. Postoperative causalgia requiring subsequent sympathectomy developed in two cases. No vascular or permanent phrenic nerve injuries occurred and only 12 patients (2%) required operative intervention for recurrent TOS. First rib resection and scalenectomy can be performed by the supraclavicular route with an acceptable outcome, minimal morbidity, and long-lasting results.     

Computer-assisted instrumentation during endoscopic transaxillary first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome: a safe alternate approach

The purpose of this article is to discuss the feasibility of using computer-enhanced instrumentation to improve visualization and therefore patient safety during transaxillary first rib resection. From November 1998 to July 2005, 105 patients who had failed conservative treatment underwent 131 procedures for thoracic outlet decompression. Eighty-nine endoscopic transaxillary first rib resections were completed using Aesop/Hermes integrated voice control instrumentation (Computer Motion, Goleta, CA). Since February 2003, dissection in 42 procedures was performed using the daVinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA). The surgical findings with cervical bands correlated with the preoperative symptoms. One hundred percent of patients with a combination of neurogenic and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) requiring cervical rib resection had Roos type I and/or II bands. Additional surgical findings included the following: combination of neurogenic and arterial TOS without cervical ribs or neurogenic TOS alone had type III, IV, or V bands, and patients with venous compression (100%) had type VII bands. No mortalities or permanent neurovascular injuries occurred. There was a 6.1% postoperative complication rate. Persistent myofibrositis was found in 34% of patients with ongoing symptoms. CONCLUSION: The daVinci three-dimensional optical imaging system enhances visualization, thereby promoting telemanipulation of soft tissue structures in a relatively inaccessible working space. Endoscopic computerized instrumentation in transaxillary first rib resection decreases the risk of neurovascular injury, promotes complete decompression, and therefore provides a safe alternative to standard first rib resections.     

The failed operation for thoracic outlet syndrome: the difficulty of diagnosis and management

In 225 patients requiring reoperation for recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome, "pseudorecurrences" were noted in 43 patients not relieved of symptoms after the initial operation. Such recurrences were associated with technical errors at the initial operation including resection of the second rib instead of the first, resection of the first with a cervical rib left in place, or resection of a cervical rib with an abnormal first rib left. True recurrences occurred in 182 patients, 154 of whom had a substantial piece of rib remaining from the initial procedure. Indications for reoperation included persistent pain, ulnar nerve conduction velocity of 60 m/sec or less (normal, 72 to 82 m/sec), and failure of appropriate physical therapy. Reoperation involved neurolysis of the brachial plexus, decompression of the vessels, and dorsal sympathectomy performed through a posterior thoracoplasty incision. One hundred seventy-seven patients (79%) had improvement, 32 (14%) had moderate improvement, and 16 (7%) were either considered failures or had recurrent scarring.     

Complete cervical rib. Possible neurovascular implications of the upper limb

The thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is caused by compression of the brachial plexus or subclavian artery or vein in the region of the neck and shoulder girdle. The neurovascular bundle may be compressed at multiple sites: costoclavicular space, interscalene triangle, insertion of the pectoralis minor into the coracoid process. More than 90% of the patients present with neurologic symptoms: pain, paraesthesias or arm and hand weakness and 10% also have vascular problems. The diagnosis of TOS is always difficult and depends on careful clinical study of patients. For the neurological type of TOS, electromyograms, arteriograms and venograms are not helpful. The value of Doppler study and of arteriography is demonstrated in the present case of a woman with a five month history of pain and paraesthesias of the arm and hand, who shoved sudden occlusion of left humeral artery. Roentgenograms showed the presence of a well developed left cervical rib. Doppler study and arteriography showed the compression of subclavian artery with the arm abduction manoeuver. After first rib resection and humeral artery thrombectomy there was a complete return of humeral artery flow and of all neurologic functions. Thus the role of first cervical rib or other bone and muscular structures must be emphasyzed both in the brachial and in the subclavian artery or vein compression. Embolization of the axillary or humeral artery should be corrected as soon as possible when the cervical rib is corrected.     

Celiac trunk compression syndrome requiring surgery in 3 adolescent patients

Background/Methods

Celiac trunk compression syndrome is a rare cause of recurrent, nonspecific upper abdominal pain. In this article, we present 3 cases of celiac trunk compression syndrome in 15- and 16-year-old adolescents who were treated surgically in our clinic and discuss our findings with existing literature.

Results

All 3 adolescents complained about unspecific upper gastrointestinal pain. The performance of digital subtraction angiography and, accordingly, magnetic resonance angiography showed, respectively, a stenosis and an occlusion of the celiac artery.In all cases, a decompression of the celiac trunk as well as a resection of the celiac plexus in the region near the outlet of the trunk was performed.Patients have been surveyed between 12 and 18 months postoperatively. In all cases, the gastrointestinal symptoms have completely disappeared.

Discussion

Celiac artery compression syndrome is understood to consist of symptoms of recurrent pain, caused by a neurovascular narrowing of the aortic hiatus and celiac trunk.The surgical approach of choice is sharp transection of the median arcuate ligament, along with complete resection of the nerve fibers of the celiac plexus with or without performance of revascularisation.In summary, celiac trunk compression syndrome is a rare cause of recurrent epigastric pain that should be not be ignored completely as a differential diagnosis.     

Recurrent neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

BACKGROUND: Although 90% of patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) experience "excellent" or "good" results after thoracic outlet decompression, recurrent symptoms may develop in certain patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients with NTOS who developed recurrent symptoms of upper extremity/shoulder/neck pain, weakness and limitation of motion at least 3 months after initial relief of symptoms by surgical decompression. Diagnostic procedures and outcomes of reoperative surgery were assessed. RESULTS: Among almost 500 patients undergoing initial successful thoracic outlet decompression for symptoms of NTOS during the last decade, 17 redeveloped classic NTOS symptoms (3 of them bilaterally) at intervals from 3 to 80 months (mean 18 months) after the initial operative procedure. Ultimate diagnoses included incomplete first-rib resection (n = 1), compression of the brachial plexus by an ectopic band (n = 1), persistent brachial plexus compression by an intact first (n = 2) or second (n = 1) rib, brachial plexus compression by the pectoralis minor tendon (n = 13) and adherent residual scalene muscle (n = 14). Anterior scalene muscle block was positive in 9 patients later found to have recurrent symptoms from adherent residual scalene muscle. Among these 20 cases of osseous or musculotendinous causes of recurrent NTOS, all had "excellent" or "good" results from repeat surgery to eliminate the underlying structural problem (removal of intact or residual rib, pectoralis minor tenotomy, brachial plexus neurolysis, or a combination of these). CONCLUSIONS: Complete excision of cervical or first ribs and subtotal excision (instead of simple division) of the scalene muscles will decrease the incidence of recurrent NTOS. Pectoralis minor tenotomy should be considered part of complete thoracic outlet decompression. Anterior scalene muscle block accurately predicts outcome of reoperation for certain types of recurrent NTOS.     

Surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome: effect and results of surgery

BACKGROUND: Because of the difficulty in diagnosis and different treatment options, debate on thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has continued. Our aim is to report our surgical experience. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with thoracic outlet syndrome were operated on between 1985 and 2000. Mean age was 37.9 years (range, 17 to 58 years); female/male ratio was 41/6. The most frequent symptom was paresthesia (72.3%). Seventeen patients (36%) had bilateral symptoms. Of all, 89.3% (42 cases) were neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome, and 10.7% (five cases) were vascular. Lower plexus (C8-T1/ulnar nerve) compression was present in 36 patients and upper plexus (C5-C7/median nerve) compression in 6 patients. Doppler ultrasonography in 11 patients, angiography in 8, and lymph node scintigraphy in 1 patient were also performed. Main operative indications were persistence of symptoms after conservative therapy and reduced (< 60 m/s) ulnar nerve conduction velocity. RESULTS: Fifty-five operations were performed on the 47 patients. First (59.6%) and cervical costae (21.3%) resections were the most frequent operations. Mean ulnar nerve conduction velocity was 54.8 m/s (range, 43 to 68 m/s) preoperatively and 69.4 m/s (range, 47 to 70 m/s) postoperatively (p < 0.05). The morbidity rate was 17% (8 of 47). No difference was observed between transaxillary and supraclavicular incisions. No brachial plexus injuries occurred. The most frequent cause of morbidity was incisional pain. Two reoperations were performed for recurrences. Follow-up was 4.6 years, and 75% of lower plexus and 50% of upper plexus compressions remained asymptomatic. Severe and long-term pain occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical decompression for thoracic outlet syndrome is efficient and dependable, but results deteriorate over time.     

Extensive or partial microsurgical sympathectomy of the arm by supraclavicular route for primary or secondary Raynaud symptoms

Surgery was performed in patients with Raynaud's disease (primary Raynaud symptoms) or with Raynaud symptoms as part of the cervical rib/scalenus-anticus syndrome (secondary Raynaud symptoms). In 13 arms with primary, and six with secondary Raynaud symptoms with trophic changes, the aim was extensive sympathectomy. Good results, without Horner's syndrome, were obtained with extensive postganglionic sympathectomy. When the grey ramus T1 could not be identified, T2 ganglionectomy and extirpation of the grey rami C7 and C8 were performed with the same result. Extirpation of the grey ramus C6 was not mandatory for a good result. Extirpation of unidentified T1 rami resulted in permanent Horner's syndrome in two of four patients. Cases of secondary Raynaud symptoms without trophic changes were divided into two equal groups, each of 18 arms. Combined neurovascular decompression and partial sympathectomy were performed in one group, and neurovascular decompression only in the other. Partial sympathectomy seemed to improve the results.     

Surgical management of thoracic outlet syndrome: a 10-year experience

BACKGROUND: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) refers to compression of the neurovascular structures in the region between the scalene muscles and the first rib, or by anatomical abnormalities such as cervical rib, fibrous bands and other variations in the scalene musculature. METHODS: Our experience with 63 consecutive operations for TOS, over a period of 10 years, has been reviewed. Preoperative symptoms and signs, investigations, surgery done, complications and the outcome of surgery are analysed. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients underwent 63 operations for decompression of TOS. All the 63 first ribs, were excised by the transaxillary approach. In seven patients (16%), a combined transaxillary and supraclavicular approach was used. There was no operative mortality in this series. The operative complications included pneumothorax in four patients (6.3%), which was treated by insertion of chest drain, and lower brachial plexus neuropraxia in two patients (3%), which improved with conservative management. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 3.6 days. At 12 months following surgery, 56 patients (93%) had complete or partial relief of symptoms and only four patients (6.6%) had no relief of symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study confirm that transaxillary excision of the first rib is a surgical procedure associated with very low morbidity and excellent relief of symptoms. It can therefore be offered as an early option for patients with thoracic outlet syndrome. It may be combined with the supraclavicular approach if exposure of the subclavian artery is required for vascular reconstruction.     

Upper plexus thoracic outlet syndrome--case report

A 47-year-old right-handed female became aware of proximal ache and muscle weakness in the right shoulder and elbow in 1997. Atrophy of the right biceps muscle was recognized and the right deltoid, triceps, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles were weak. The Morley test and elevated arm stress test were positive. Neurolysis of the brachial plexus and anterior scalenectomy were performed via a right supraclavicular approach. An abnormal fibromuscular band was identified passing between the upper and middle trunks and constricting the middle trunk. Another scalene muscle anomaly was found passing between the C-5 and C-6 nerve roots and connecting the anterior and middle scalene muscles. These muscles were resected, and thorough neurolysis was performed around all nerves and the trunks. Postoperatively, all symptoms completely resolved and the patient was discharged 5 days after surgery. Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) manifests as symptoms of lower cervical nerve involvements with hypesthesia and paresthesia. However, upper plexus TOS manifests as symptoms due to the involvement of the C-5 to C-7 nerve roots, and is relatively rare. Transaxillary first rib resection is performed as the primary operation for TOS, but supraclavicular scalenectomy is effective for upper plexus TOS.     

Management of vascular complications in thoracic outlet syndrome

Arterial complications of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) were surgically treated in 11 patients (12 limbs) and venous complications in five (6 limbs). Arteriography showed total occlusion or significant stenosis of the subclavian artery in eight patients (bilateral in 1), with complicating peripheral thrombosis in three. Two patients had unilateral subclavian artery aneurysm: One was the patient with bilateral subclavian occlusion, and the other also had brachial artery embolism. Yet another patient had brachial thrombosis. Treatment included reconstructive surgery (3 limbs), thoracic sympathectomy (3) or decompression alone (6). Of the five patients with venous TOS complications, four were found at phlebography to have subclavian thrombosis and one had significant bilateral subclavian obstruction. Treatment was transaxillary first-rib resection (4 cases) or division of soft-tissue bands and hypertrophied anterior scalene muscle (1 case). After follow-up averaging 9 years, eight of the nine survivors in the arterial group were working and seven were asymptomatic. All five in the venous group were working and only two had slight, strain-related symptoms. Impaired arterial flow in TOS can usually be managed with decompression, but direct surgery (bypass or thrombectomy) or thoracic sympathectomy is required in cases with severe ischemia with proximal occlusion and after resection of a subclavian aneurysm or in cases with unilateral Raynaud's phenomenon or thrombosis of small arteries. For venous symptoms decompression alone suffices.     

New approaches in diagnosis and therapy of the thoracic outlet syndrome]

The results of diagnosis and treatment of the thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in 35 patients have been analysed. Compression of the subclavicular neurovascular bundle at the site of its outlet from the thoracic cavity was most frequent cause of TOS development. A degree of compression was assessed quantitatively by the data of a modified functional dynamic test. The modified operation, including resection of the I rib (and of a cervical one in its presence), scalene muscle, musculus pectoralis minor, periarterial sympathectomy of the subclavicular artery, was performed. In narrow (less than 1.5 cm) costoclavicular space, the II rib was additionally resected. An excellent long-term result is indicative of the effectiveness of the method.     

Resection of the first rib, following deep arm vein thrombolysis in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome

In order to evaluate, the prophylactic effect of first rib resection in patients with fibrinolytic recanalised deep arm vein thrombosis, we present our experience with 21 patients. After recanalisation 12 had phlebographic signs of venous compression in the costoclavicular space, with the arm in the normal position. This fulfills the requirements for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). In 60 normal persons without symptoms of TOS none had phlebographic signs of venous compression with the arm in normal position. This difference is significant. In the 12 patients TOS was suspected was to be the underlying cause of rethrombosis and first rib resection was performed. Two patients with TOS had rethrombosis before first rib resection could be performed. At follow up 1 to 6 years after the thrombosis no rethrombosis was found. TOS and deep arm vein thrombosis is rare. Controlled studies are not available. We advocate first rib resection in patients with successful fibrinolysis and TOS in order to avoid rethrombosis.     

Thoracic outlet and pectoralis minor syndromes

Compression of the neurovascular bundle to the upper extremity can occur above or below the clavicle; thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is above the clavicle and pectoralis minor syndrome is below. More than 90% of cases involve the brachial plexus, 5% involve venous obstruction, and 1% are associate with arterial obstruction. The clinical presentation, including symptoms, physical examination, pathology, etiology, and treatment differences among neurogenic, venous, and arterial TOS syndromes. This review details the diagnostic testing required to differentiate among the associated conditions and recommends appropriate medical or surgical treatment for each compression syndrome. The long-term outcomes of patients with TOS and pectoralis minor syndrome also vary and depend on duration of symptoms before initiation of physical therapy and surgical intervention. Overall, it can be expected that >80% of patients with these compression syndromes can experience functional improvement of their upper extremity; higher for arterial and venous TOS than for neurogenic compression.     

Thoracic and vascular aspects of thoracic outlet syndrome. 1986 update

Upper extremity symptoms of arterial or venous origin are a rarer manifestation of the thoracic outlet syndrome than those caused by brachial plexus compression. Since the authors' original report in 1967, a better understanding of the necessity for detailed history and physical examination preoperatively and advances in angiography and computed tomography have made the selection of patients for thoracic outlet decompression and vascular reconstruction more reliable. Refinement in vascular surgical techniques and the advent of effective thrombolytic therapy have made the results of therapy more consistent. First rib resection and scalenectomy are curative for the majority of patients whose symptoms are caused by compression of the brachial plexus. Removal of the embologenic focus with vascular reconstruction and thoracodorsal sympathectomy are generally required in the presence of subclavian artery compression or aneurysm producing peripheral emboli. In patients who have venous compromise, thrombectomy or thrombolytic therapy and relief of subclavian venous compression may minimize future disability.