Venous thoracic outlet syndrome

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by subclavian vein obstruction with or without thrombosis. The primary symptom is arm swelling, frequently accompanied by cyanosis, pain, and occasionally paresthesias. Venography is the only reliable diagnostic tool. Therapy has three goals: (1) remove the thrombus (in thrombotic cases), (2) remove the extrinsic compression, and in a minority of cases, (3) remove the intrinsic stenosis.     

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome secondary to first rib osteochondroma in a pediatric patient

Osteochondromas account for 30% to 50% of benign osseous tumors and 10% of all bone tumors. Most of these lesions are found incidentally on imaging studies obtained for other reasons. Vascular compromise due to osteochondroma is a rare but well-recognized phenomenon and typically occurs in the lower extremity as a result of a tumor mass projecting into the popliteal fossa. We present the very rare case of a pediatric patient with venous thoracic outlet syndrome due to an osteochondroma of the first rib, and to our knowledge, this report is only the second such occurrence in the medical literature.     

Thoracic outlet syndrome caused by first rib hemangioma

We report a case of first rib hemangioma that caused thoracic outlet syndrome. A 50-year-ole woman who was admitted to our hospital with a clinical diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome presented with fullness and easy fatigue of her right arm. Her right arm discomfort was associated with intermittent engorgement of superficial veins over the shoulder girdle. A chest radiograph revealed an enlargement of the anterior aspect of the first rib with fine bony trabeculations. Computed tomography scan showed contrast enhancement over the enlarged rib. Our tentative preoperative diagnosis was a benign first rib hypertrophic change, such as an old fracture with exuberant callus formation. A right-arm venogram revealed a patent subclavian vein with an extrinsic compression, which occluded on arm abduction. The findings of neural conduction studies of both upper extremities were symmetric and normal. The patient agreed to surgery because of the occlusive condition of the subclavian vein on arm abduction and progressive arm weakness in recent months. Segmental transection of the offending portion of the enlarged first rib was complicated by difficulty in isolating the whole length of the compressed but normal-appearing subclavian vein by our initial transaxillary and infraclavicular approaches because the medial aspect of the subclavian vein was obstructed by the enlarged first rib, which extended medially to the junction of the right jugular and subclavian veins. Successful segmental transection of the enlarged first rib was finally accomplished by combined transaxillary, infraclavicular, and supraclavicular approaches. A moderate amount of rib bleeding from resection ends was noted during segmental resection of the enlarged first rib, resulting in local hematoma formation. A 470-mL bloody discharge was collected from the vacuum ball inserted via the transaxillary route during her 12-day hospitalization. Pathologic examination revealed an intraosseous hemangioma. The patient had a prolonged course to partial recovery of her arm numbness, but signs of venous compression were much improved at 6 months' follow-up. Although hemangioma is benign, its hypervascular nature may cause catastrophic intraoperative bleeding.     

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.     

Trans-axillary first rib excision for thoracic outlet syndrome

AIM: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a clinical diagnosis treatable by excision of the first rib. This study was undertaken to assess the alleviation of symptoms following trans-axillary rib excision in patients with a diagnosis of TOS suggested by a positive Elevated Arm Stress Test and, by inference, to estimate the prevalence of the syndrome. METHOD: A retrospective review of trans-axillary first rib excision was performed. No referrals were accepted from outwith the catchment area of our hospital. Post-operative symptomatic improvement was accepted as a confirmation of correct pre-operative diagnosis. RESULTS: Over six years, 52 rib resections were performed in 46 patients, mean age (+/- S.D.) 38.8 (+/- 10.6) years. The indications for surgery were principally neurological symptoms (n = 42 excisions), arterial compromise (n = 5) and venous compromise (n = 5). Symptoms had been present for a mean of 15.8 months prior to surgery. The median follow-up after surgery was 33 months. 42 patients (48 resections) showed immediate improvement in symptoms following surgery, although symptoms recurred in three patients (4 resections) between 6 and 8 months post-operatively. In the final two years of this study, 20 resections resulting in symptomatic improvement were performed, suggesting a prevalence for TOS of at least 10 per 100,000 per year. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic outlet decompression was performed more frequently in this series than many previous reports, suggesting that TOS may be under-diagnosed.     

Thoracic outlet syndrome caused by tumor of the first rib

We report a new case of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by a tumor of the first rib and review 11 other reports found in the literature. A 25-year-old man was admitted with thoracic outlet syndrome in the C8-T1 nerve roots. The first rib was removed through a supraclavicular approach with excision of the medial clavicle. All symptoms disappeared. On histologic examination fibrous dysplasia was found in the rib. Tumors of the first rib are uncommon and are rarely responsible for thoracic outlet syndrome. When the tumor is very large, as in our case, we recommend a supraclavicular approach associated with excision of the medial clavicle. During the liberation of the brachial plexus, great care should be exercised to avoid nerve injuries. Because malignancy of the tumor cannot be eliminated with certainty before or during the operation, wide excision of the entire rib is recommended.     

Thoracic outlet syndrome caused by fibrous dysplasia of the first rib

Fibrous dysplasia causing thoracic outlet syndrome is rare. A 41-year-old woman presented with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome with imaging that demonstrated a large tumor of her proximal left first rib. Transaxillary excision was unsuccessful due to involvement of the subclavian vasculature and brachial plexus. Subsequent posterolateral thoracotomy and resection of her first rib revealed fibrous dysplasia. Thoracotomy should be considered in these cases for optimal vascular control and identification of thoracic outlet anatomy.     

经腋路第一肋切除治疗胸廓出口综合征

目的：总结经腋路第一肋切除治疗胸廓出口综合征的经验，方法：采用经腋路第一肋切除术治疗下臂丛型胸廓出口综合征16例，结果：3例术中胸膜破裂，术后有胸闷和胸前区压迫感，其中1例前胸部可摸到少量的皮下捻发音；X线片示均有轻度气胸，除吸氧外，未做其它处理，术后3d基本恢复。16例中1例在术后3个月复发，再次行前中斜角肌切除术，术后症状缓解，2例在术后8个月复发,4例在术后12个月出现前臂内侧和手尺侧轻度麻木及肩颈部不适，但比术前要轻得多；该6例经用药后症状基本消失，其余患者症状完全解除，未复发，总治愈率为81．25％，8例第一肌间背仙肌萎缩者，3例患者完全恢复（术后25－28个月），2例部分恢复（术后18－23个月），该5例的爪形手畸形均已消失，结论：经腋路切除第一肋治疗下臂丛型胸廓出口综合征，伤口隐蔽，损伤小，手术后复发率较低。     

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.     

Transaxillary approach first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome]

From 1981 to 1991, 26 patients with thoracic outlet syndrome were treated by transaxillary first rib resection. Investigation of its indications, modes and results showed that this is one of the ideal methods of treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome.     

Supraclavicular resection of the first rib for thoracic outlet syndrome

The experience with supraclavicular transcervical first rib resection (or cervical rib resection) and total scalenotomy reported herein shows this to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with the thoracic outlet syndrome. We recommend this method as a satisfactory anatomic approach for the correction of this condition. Its advantages are as follows: anatomic structures may be visualized fully by both the surgeon and the assistant; complex or recurrent thoracic outlet problems may be dealt with directly; additional procedures (such as vascular graft, neurolysis, neck exploration, sympathectomy and cervical rib resection) may be performed; the procedure can be done in 90 minutes or less; neither the patient nor the assistant is obliged to assume an awkward or strained position and consequently the likelihood of intraoperative iatrogenic injury is reduced; and neither the period of hospitalization nor the period of immobility is longer than with the other operative techniques currently used for this condition.     

First rib resection for vascular complications of thoracic outlet syndrome

The surgical approach to vascular complications of the thoracic outlet syndrome remains controversial. When present, removal of a cervical rib alone has produced disappointing results. Our experience of 29 consecutive first rib excisions over a 5-year period is presented. Of 20 cases with uncomplicated subclavian artery compression 19 were cured, and of six cases with aneurysm or thrombosis five were improved. Of 12 cases with neurological symptoms nine were cured and two were improved. It is suggested that first rib excision is the essential primary treatment for patients with arterial symptoms due to thoracic outlet syndrome.