ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Effort thrombosis refers to axillosubclavian vein thrombosis secondary to physical activities of the upper extremity. METHODS: This report describes the clinical presentation of effort thrombosis in a millwright and reviews the literature for occupational reports of this condition. RESULTS: While there is a paucity of literature reporting an occupational association, work related physical demands on the upper extremity appears to increase the risk of axillosubclavian impingement and thrombosis in certain patients. CONCLUSION: Effort thrombosis is a rare vascular condition of the upper extremity that may be seen in workers with repetitive, forceful, or overhead arm activities.
Subject(s)
Occupational Diseases/etiology , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis/etiology , Upper Extremity , Adult , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight/therapeutic use , Humans , Male , Occupational Diseases/drug therapy , Occupational Diseases/surgery , Risk Factors , Subclavian Vein/pathology , Subclavian Vein/surgery , Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis/drug therapy , Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis/surgery , Warfarin/therapeutic useABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is a need for a diagnostic tool with the ability to measure cumulative exposure to manganese (Mn) in the workplace. Measuring bone Mn levels with in vivo neutron activation analysis (IVNAA) could serve as a biomarker of past exposure. Bone Mn levels of welders were measured and compared to the levels found in subjects without exposure to the element. METHOD: Forty subjects (30 welders and 10 controls) were recruited. An occupational history was obtained and subjects underwent IVNAA bone Mn measurements. RESULTS: The mean bone Mn levels were (2.9 +/- 0.4) and (0.1 +/- 0.7) microg Mn/g Ca for welders and controls, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This project, the first of its kind, reports differences in bone Mn between Mn-exposed welders and non-occupationally exposed subjects. It appears that bone Mn levels do reflect differences in the occupational exposure of welders.
