Hyperabduction During Balloon Inflation in the Subclavian Vein as a Test for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

We present a case of venous thoracic outlet syndrome involving upper extremity venous thrombosis confirmed by hyperabduction during balloon inflation in the subclavian vein. This provocative test provides clear evidence of extrinsic venous compression, confirming venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

Analysis of Completion Intraoperative Venography During First Rib Resection for Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the impact of completion intraoperative venography on clinical outcomes for axillosubclavian vein (AxSCV) thrombosis due to venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective, single-center review of all patients with vTOS treated with First Rib Resection and intraoperative venography from 2011 - 2023. We reviewed intraoperative venographic films to classify findings, collected demographics, clinical and perioperative variables, and clinical outcomes. Primary endpoints were symptomatic relief and primary patency at 3 months and 1 year. Secondary endpoints were time free from symptoms, reintervention rate, perioperative complications, and mortality. RESULTS: Fifty-one AxSCVs (49 patients, mean age of 31.3 ± 12.6, 52.9% female) were treated for vTOS with first rib resection and external venolysis followed by completion intraoperative venography with a mean follow up of 15.5 ± 13.5 months. Prior to FRR, 32 underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis (62.7%). Completion intraoperative venography identified 16 patients with No Stenosis (Group 1, 31.3%), 17 with No Stenosis after Angioplasty (Group 2, 33.3%), 10 with Residual Stenosis after Angioplasty (Group 3, 19.7%), and 8 with Complete Occlusion (Group 4, 15.7%). The overall symptomatic relief was 44 of 51 (86.3%) and did not differ between venographic classifications (Group 1: 14 of 16, Group 2: 13 of 17, Group 3: 10 of 10, and Group 4: 7 of 8; Log-Rank Test, p = 0.5). The overall 3-month and 1-year primary patency was 42 of 43 (97.7%) and 32 of 33 (97.0%), respectively (Group 1: 16 of 16 and 9 of 9; Group 2: 16 of 17 and 12 of 13; Group 3: 10 of 10, 5 of 5; Group 4: primary patency not obtained). There was one asymptomatic re-thrombosis that resolved with anticoagulation, and three patients underwent reintervention with venous angioplasty for significant symptom recurrence an average 2.89 ± 1.7 months after FRR. CONCLUSION: Our single-center retrospective study demonstrates that FRR with completion intraoperative venography has excellent symptomatic relief, short- and mid-term patency despite residual venous stenosis and complete occlusion. While completion intraoperative venographic classification did not correlate with adverse outcomes, this protocol yielded excellent results and provides important clinical data for postoperative management. Our results also support a conservative approach to AxSCV occlusion identified after FRR.

Axillary-Subclavian Venous Thrombosis following a weightlifting injury in an elderly patient: a case report.

Background: Axillary-subclavian venous thrombosis (ASVT) is a type of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). UEDVTs are classified as either primary or secondary depending on their etiology. Although uncommon, clinicians should be aware of the clinical presentation of UEDVT as timely diagnosis and early treatment is critical in preventing possible post-thrombotic complications. Case presentation: We report a rare case of axillary-subclavian and internal jugular vein thrombosis in the absence of clear risk factors in a 78-year-old male weightlifter who presented to the office with two-week duration of left upper extremity pain and swelling following strenuous exercise at the gym. Summary: The combination of unusual thrombi location, in addition to the unusual absence of existing thoracic-outlet compression or indwelling medical hardware, makes our case of UEDVT especially uncommon. Clinicians should be aware of this rare disease due to the debilitating effects both in the short and long term.

Exercise-induced venous thrombosis of the upper extremity: A case report.

Paget-Schroetter syndrome, the venous variant of thoracic outlet syndrome, is an uncommon presentation of deep vein thrombosis. In patients with Paget-Schroetter syndrome, the subclavian vein is compressed within the thoracic outlet as a result of repetitive and vigorous arm motions. Repeated endothelial injury leads to stasis in flow and eventual thrombus formation in the subclavian vein and its tributaries. This report highlights the case of an active and otherwise healthy 46-year-old patient who presented with swelling and pain of his right upper extremity after a run and was found to have multiple, effort-induced thrombi involving the right subclavian, axillary, brachial, and basilic veins. The unusual clinical picture of Paget-Schroetter syndrome and its presentation commonly in the demographic of young, healthy individuals make it a diagnosis likely overlooked and unfamiliar to many in the clinical setting.

Cortical Hand Knob Paradoxical Thromboembolic Stroke in an Adolescent with Secundum Atrial Septal Defect and Paget-Schroetter Syndrome.

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) is an increasingly recognized diagnosis in young patients in which the subclavian vein is compressed within the costoclavicular space. With repetitive compression, thrombosis can develop and has been referred to as "effort thrombosis" or the Paget-Schroetter syndrome. Here, we present a 16-year-old boy with vTOS who presented with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the hand knob region of precentral gyrus due to paradoxical embolus in the setting of atrial septal defect.

Outcomes following interval delayed first rib resection for acute axillosubclavian deep venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Current management of axillosubclavian deep venous thrombosis (DVT) often uses thrombolysis for the DVT, prompt first rib removal, and occasional venoplasty or stenting. Our institution has increasingly used anticoagulation alone followed by interval first rib resection. We sought to analyze the effectiveness of this simplified technique. METHODS: Between September 2012 and April 2021, 27 patients were identified within the institution's electronic medical record as having undergone first rib resection for upper extremity DVT. Seven of these patients had undergone preoperative thrombolysis before referral and were excluded. Among the remaining 20 patients, preoperative clinic charts were evaluated for age, venous segment involvement, contralateral limb involvement, presence of documented hypercoagulable state, duration of preoperative and postoperative anticoagulation, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients (mean age, 26.2 years; 13 males) presenting with acute axillosubclavian DVT, all patients had right (n = 8) or left (n = 12) arm swelling. Five patients had extremity pain and four had extremity discoloration. Ten had axillosubclavian vein involvement, 9 had subclavian vein involvement, and 1 had axillary vein involvement. Two patients were on oral contraceptives and no patients had any other diagnosed hypercoagulable conditions. The mean duration of preoperative and postoperative anticoagulation was 3.2 ± 2.6 months and 2.1 ± 2.1 months, respectively. Nineteen patients underwent supraclavicular first rib resection and 1 patient underwent transaxillary resection. Twelve patients (60%) demonstrated complete DVT resolution by venous duplex examination during the postoperative period and 8 patients (40%) demonstrated partial recanalization/chronic DVT. Complications included one hemothorax and one thoracic duct injury. All 20 patients remain asymptomatic without arm swelling, with a mean follow-up of 55.1 ± 34.7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients presenting with acute axillosubclavian DVT, anticoagulation alone followed by interval first rib resection proved to be successful in providing symptomatic relief in the short to medium term. By eliminating the need for preoperative thrombolysis and postoperative venograms, this potentially cost-saving algorithm simplifies our management for acute venous thoracic outlet syndrome while maintaining good clinical outcomes. Because this study only analyzed our management algorithm's effectiveness in the short to medium term, the long-term effectiveness of this treatment will need to be demonstrated.

Novel Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy Device for Treating Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patient With Paget-Schroetter Syndrome.

Paget-Schroetter Syndrome (PSS) is a form of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) caused by the external compression of the subclavian vein at the thoracic outlet. Here we describe a complex PSS case in a 43-year-old female who experienced multiple recurrent DVTs and a right-sided hemothorax following two continuous aspiration thrombectomy procedures and a first rib resection. Rapid and complete symptom resolution was achieved with the InThrill Thrombectomy System (Inari Medical), a novel, thrombolytic-free, percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy device that removed all recurrent acute and subacute thrombus in a single session without significant blood loss.

Informe de un caso clínico con síndrome de Paget-Schroetter

Introducción: El síndrome de Paget-Schroetter (SPS) es una trombosis venosa profunda primaria del complejo venoso subclavio-axilar que ocurre después del uso repetitivo y extenuante de los hombros y los brazos. Muestra una incidencia de 1 por 100 000 personas al año. Se informa con mayor frecuencia en atletas jóvenes. Objetivo: Presentar un caso inusual de síndrome de Paget-Schroetter en un individuo joven no deportista. Caso clínico: Varón militar activo de 24 años de edad, sin antecedentes patológicos personales, que ingresó con inflamación del miembro superior izquierdo de 24 horas de evolución. Presentó una trombosis de la vena cefálica izquierda después de un esfuerzo físico de carga y descarga. Tras descartar trastornos secundarios de hipercoagulabilidad se le diagnosticó un SPS. Se le informó de la opción de intervención quirúrgica, pero la rechazó. El diagnóstico fue confirmado con ecografía Doppler y tratado con anticoagulación endovenosa al inicio y luego por vía oral durante 6 meses. Durante el seguimiento no se evidenció trombosis crónica de la vena cefálica izquierda ni formación de intervalo de colaterales vasculares. Conclusiones: El SPS es una condición clínica que necesita un alto índice de sospecha y un diagnóstico oportuno, por tanto, los médicos deben estar atentos a esta rara entidad para su reconocimiento temprano y derivación oportuna a cirugía vascular.

Introduction: Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) is a primary deep vein thrombosis of the subclavian-axillary venous complex that occurs after repetitive and strenuous use of the shoulders and arms. It shows an incidence of 1 per 100,000 people per year. It is reported more frequently in young athletes. Objective: To present an unusual case of Paget-Schroetter syndrome in a young non-athlete individual. Clinical case: 24-year-old active military man with no personal pathological history is presented, who was admitted with inflammation of the left upper limb of 24 hours of evolution. He presented a thrombosis of the left cephalic vein after a physical effort of loading and unloading. After ruling out secondary hypercoagulability disorders, he was diagnosed with SPS. He was informed of the option of surgical intervention, but he declined it. The diagnosis was confirmed with Doppler ultrasound and treated with intravenous anticoagulation at the beginning, and then orally for 6 months. During the follow-up of the patient, there was no evidence of chronic thrombosis of the left cephalic vein or interval formation of vascular collaterals. Conclusions: SPS is a clinical condition that requires a high index of suspicion and prompt diagnosis, therefore, physicians must be attentive to this rare entity for early recognition and timely referral to vascular surgery.

Paget-Schroetter syndrome: the importance of early detection and effective surgical intervention.

Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) is relatively rare condition of thoracic outlet syndrome characterized by thrombosis or blood clot formation in the subclavian vein. Due to the non-specific symptoms and low incidence rate, PSS is frequently missed by medical professionals, and as such it often leads to wrong diagnosis and untreated patients. We present the case of a 30-year-old CrossFit trainer who developed a thrombosis of the subclavian vein. Initially, the patient consulted an internist after experiencing swelling in the right shoulder region and discoloration of the right upper extremity. Angiography revealed occlusion of the subclavian vein and anticoagulant therapy was prescribed. For more than a year, the patient's symptoms remained unchanged, and the subclavian vein occlusion persisted. Venography suspected effort thrombosis of the subclavian vein. The patient underwent surgery for decompression of the subclavian vein. After six months, results from post-operative computed tomography angiography showed that venous flow was fully restored and no pathology of the venous vessel wall could be demonstrated. This report aims to increase awareness of PSS among medical professionals, leading to earlier diagnosis and adequate clinical-surgical management.

Paget-Schroetter syndrome occurring in the nondominant hand.

Paget-Schroetter syndrome is the primary thrombotic event associated with venous thoracic outlet syndrome. It needs to be suspected when encountering localized brachial swelling and a dilated vein in patients with a history of upper limb exercise.

Management of Paget-Schroetter Syndrome: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal management of Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS). The objective was to summarise the current evidence for management of PSS with explicit attention to the clinical outcomes of different management strategies. DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched for reports published between January 1990 and December 2021. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The primary endpoint was the proportion of symptom free patients at last follow up. Secondary outcomes were success of initial treatment, recurrence of thrombosis or persistent occlusion, and patency at last follow up. Meta-analyses of the primary endpoint were performed for non-comparative and comparative reports. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Sixty reports were included (2 653 patients), with overall moderate quality. The proportions of symptom free patients in non-comparative analysis were: anticoagulation (AC), 0.54; catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) + AC, 0.71; AC + first rib resection (FRR), 0.80; and CDT + FRR, 0.96. Pooled analysis of comparative reports confirmed the superiority of CDT + FRR compared with AC (OR 13.89, 95% CI 1.08 - 179.04; p = .040, I2 87%, very low certainty of evidence), AC + FRR (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.21 - 4.35; p = .010, I2 0%, very low certainty of evidence), and CDT + AC (OR 8.44, 95% CI 1.12 - 59.53; p = .030, I2 63%, very low certainty of evidence). Secondary endpoints were in favour of CDT + FRR. CONCLUSION: Non-operative management of PSS with AC alone results in persistent symptoms in 46% of patients, while 96% of patients managed with CDT + FFR were symptom free at end of follow up. Superiority of CDT + FRR compared with AC, CDT + AC, and AC + FRR was confirmed by meta-analysis. The overall quality of included reports was moderate, and the level of certainty was very low.

Body and Extremity MR Venography: Technique, Clinical Applications, and Advances.

Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) represents a distinct imaging approach that may be used to evaluate a wide spectrum of venous pathology. Despite duplex ultrasound and computed tomography venography representing the dominant imaging modalities in investigating suspected venous disease, MRV is increasingly used due to its lack of ionizing radiation, unique ability to be performed without administration of intravenous contrast, and recent technical improvements resulting in improved sensitivity, image quality, and faster acquisition times. In this review, the authors discuss commonly used body and extremity MRV techniques, different clinical applications, and future directions.

How I do it. Thoracic outlet syndrome and the transaxillary approach.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a disease pattern that involves compression of neurologic venous or arterial structures as they pass through the thoracic outlet. TOS was first described as a vascular complication arising from the presence of a cervical rib. Over time, a better understanding of TOS has led to its wide range of presenting symptoms being divided into three distinct groups: arterial, venous, and neurogenic. Of the known cases, the current estimates of the incidence of neurogenic TOS, venous TOS, and arterial TOS are 95%, 3%, and 1%, respectively. The different types of TOS have completely different presentations, requiring expertise in the diagnosis, management, and treatment unique to each. We present our evaluation, diagnosis, and management method of TOS patients, with specific attention paid to the transaxillary approach.

Venographic classification and long-term surgical treatment outcomes for axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis due to venous thoracic outlet syndrome (Paget-Schroetter syndrome).

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the clinical presentation, operative findings, and surgical treatment outcomes for axillary-subclavian vein (AxSCV) thrombosis due to venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective, single-center review of 266 patients who had undergone primary surgical treatment of VTOS between 2016 and 2022. The clinical outcomes were compared between the patients in four treatment groups determined by intraoperative venography. RESULTS: Of the 266 patients, 132 were male and 134 were female. All patients had a history of spontaneous arm swelling and idiopathic AxSCV thrombosis, including 25 (9%) with proven pulmonary embolism, at a mean age of 32.1 ± 0.8 years (range, 12-66 years). The timing of clinical presentation was acute (<15 days) for 132 patients (50%), subacute (15-90 days) for 71 (27%), and chronic (>90 days) for 63 patients (24%). Venography with catheter-directed thrombolysis or thrombectomy (CDT) and/or balloon angioplasty had been performed in 188 patients (71%). The median interval between symptom onset and surgery was 78 days. After paraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression and external venolysis, intraoperative venography showed a widely patent AxSCV in 150 patients (56%). However, 26 (10%) had a long chronic AxSCV occlusion with axillary vein inflow insufficient for bypass reconstruction. Patch angioplasty was performed for focal AxSCV stenosis in 55 patients (21%) and bypass graft reconstruction for segmental AxSCV occlusion in 35 (13%). The patients who underwent external venolysis alone (patent or occluded AxSCV; n = 176) had a shorter mean operative time, shorter postoperative length of stay and fewer reoperations and late reinterventions compared with those who underwent AxSCV reconstruction (patch or bypass; n = 90), with no differences in the incidence of overall complications or 30-day readmissions. At a median clinical follow-up of 38.7 months, 246 patients (93%) had no arm swelling, and only 17 (6%) were receiving anticoagulation treatment; 95% of those with a patent AxSCV at the end of surgery were free of arm swelling vs 69% of those with a long chronic AxSCV occlusion (P < .001). The patients who had undergone CDT at the initial diagnosis were 32% less likely to need AxSCV reconstruction at surgery (30% vs 44%; P = .034) and 60% less likely to have arm swelling at follow-up (5% vs 13%; P < .05) vs those who had not undergone CDT. CONCLUSIONS: Paraclavicular decompression, external venolysis, and selective AxSCV reconstruction determined by intraoperative venography findings can provide successful and durable treatment for >90% of all patients with VTOS. Further work is needed to achieve earlier recognition of AxSCV thrombosis, prompt usage of CDT, and even more effective surgical treatment.

A narrative review of the surgical management of Paget-Schroetter syndrome: case series and long-term follow-up.

Background and Objective: Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) is an uncommon disorder which causes thrombosis of the subclavian vein (SV). This is due to compression of the SV by the surrounding anatomical structures. The optimal management of PSS remains subject to debate, with endovascular intervention and open surgical decompression being favoured current options. This review article evaluates both approaches to the management of PSS, while also presenting a case series with long-term follow-up of patients that underwent open surgical intervention for PSS. Methods: The clinical outcomes of PSS patients undergoing different 4 surgical approaches to perform surgical decompression are included. A literature review, across publications from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, was conducted with specific criteria to facilitate evaluation of both open surgical and endovascular approaches to the management of PSS. Key Content and Findings: Evaluation of data from the included case series and available literature suggests that endovascular thrombolytic devices offer better clinical results, however, SV decompression is still required for successful resolution. Conclusions: An approach to PSS encompassing endovascular intervention followed by surgical anatomical decompression may provide optimal outcomes as both intrinsic lesions and extrinsic compression of the SV is treated. However, further prospective investigation into this field is warranted.

Long-Term Outcomes of Nonoperative and Surgical Management of Paget-Schroetter Syndrome.

PURPOSE: In Paget-Schroetter Syndrome (PSS), subclavian vein thrombosis is caused by external compression of the subclavian vein at the costoclavicular junction. Paget-Schroetter Syndrome can be treated nonoperatively, surgically, or with a combination of treatments. Nonoperative management consists, in most cases, of anticoagulation (AC) or catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). With surgical management, decompression of the subclavian vein is performed by resection of the first rib. No prospective randomized trials are available to determine whether nonoperative or surgical management is superior. We report our long-term outcomes of both nonoperative and surgically treated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all patients with PSS who were treated between January 1990 and December 2015. Patients were divided based on primary nonoperative or primary surgical therapy. Long-term outcomes regarding functional outcomes were assessed by questionnaires using the "Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand" (DASH) questionnaire, a modified Villalta score, and a disease-specific question regarding lifestyle changes. RESULTS: In total, 91 patients (95 limbs) were included. Seventy patients (73 limbs) were treated nonoperatively and 21 patients (22 limbs) surgically. Questionnaires were returned by 67 patients (70 limbs). The mean follow-up was 184 months (range, 43-459 months). All functional outcomes were better in the surgical group compared with the nonoperatively treated group (DASH general 3.11 vs 9.86; DASH work 0.35 vs 11.47; DASH sport 5.85 vs 17.98, and modified Villalta score 1.11 vs 3.20 points). Surgically treated patients were more likely to be able to continue their original lifestyle and sports activities (84% vs 40%, p=0.005). Patients with recurrence of thrombosis or the need for surgical intervention after primary nonoperative management reported worse functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Surgical management of PSS with immediate CDT followed by first rib resection leads to excellent functional outcomes with low risk of complications. The results of nonoperative management in our non-matched retrospective comparative series were satisfactory, but resulted in worse functional outcomes and more patients needing to adjust their lifestyle compared with surgically treated patients. CLINICAL IMPACT: Patients with Paget-Schroetter Syndrome and their attending physicians are burdened by the lack of evidence concerning the optimal treatment of this entity. Case series comparing the outcomes of non-operative treatment with surgical treatment are scarce and often not focussed on functional outcomes. Data from this series can aid in the shared decision making after diagnosis of Paget-Schroetter Syndrome. Functional outcomes of non-operative management can be satisfying although high demand patient who are not willing to alter their daily activities are probably better off with surgical management.

Utilizing Provocative Maneuvers Intraoperatively in Conjunction With IVUS to Diagnose vTOS: The New Gold Standard.

Current methodologies of diagnosing and managing venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) remain controversial, as pertinent studies using modern advancements in medicine are limited. We present a case in which we innovatively used a modified Wright's test during venography coupled with intravascular ultrasound, which allowed us to definitively determine the etiology of a vTOS. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Thoracic outlet syndrome: a review for the primary care provider.

CONTEXT: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) symptoms are prevalent and often confused with other diagnoses. A PubMed search was undertaken to present a comprehensive article addressing the presentation and treatment for TOS. OBJECTIVES: This article summarizes what is currently published about TOS, its etiologies, common objective findings, and nonsurgical treatment options. METHODS: The PubMed database was conducted for the range of May 2020 to September 2021 utilizing TOS-related Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic literature review was conducted to identify the most common etiologies, the most objective findings, and the most effective nonsurgical treatment options for TOS. RESULTS: The search identified 1,188 articles. The automated merge feature removed duplicate articles. The remaining 1,078 citations were manually reviewed, with articles published prior to 2010 removed (n=771). Of the remaining 307 articles, duplicate citations not removed by automated means were removed manually (n=3). The other exclusion criteria included: non-English language (n=21); no abstracts available (n=56); and case reports of TOS occurring from complications of fractures, medical or surgical procedures, novel surgical approaches, or abnormal anatomy (n=42). Articles over 5 years old pertaining to therapeutic intervention (mostly surgical) were removed (n=18). Articles pertaining specifically to osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) were sparse and all were utilized (n=6). A total of 167 articles remained. The authors added a total of 20 articles that fell outside of the search criteria, as they considered them to be historic in nature with regards to TOS (n=8), were related specifically to OMT (n=4), or were considered sentinel articles relating to specific therapeutic interventions (n=8). A total of 187 articles were utilized in the final preparation of this manuscript. A final search was conducted prior to submission for publication to check for updated articles. Symptoms of hemicranial and/or upper-extremity pain and paresthesias should lead a physician to evaluate for musculoskeletal etiologies that may be contributing to the compression of the brachial plexus. The best initial provocative test to screen for TOS is the upper limb tension test (ULTT) because a negative test suggests against brachial plexus compression. A positive ULTT should be followed up with an elevated arm stress test (EAST) to further support the diagnosis. If TOS is suspected, additional diagnostic testing such as ultrasound, electromyography (EMG), or magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA) might be utilized to further distinguish the vascular or neurological etiologies of the symptoms. Initial treatment for neurogenic TOS (nTOS) is often conservative. Data are limited, therefore there is no conclusive evidence that any one treatment method or combination is more effective. Surgery in nTOS is considered for refractory cases only. Anticoagulation and surgical decompression remain the treatment of choice for vascular versions of TOS. CONCLUSIONS: The most common form of TOS is neurogenic. The most common symptoms are pain and paresthesias of the head, neck, and upper extremities. Diagnosis of nTOS is clinical, and the best screening test is the ULTT. There is no conclusive evidence that any one treatment method is more effective for nTOS, given limitations in the published data. Surgical decompression remains the treatment of choice for vascular forms of TOS.

Paget-Schroetter Syndrome: A Rare Case of Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Young Swimmer.

Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) is a rare form of spontaneous upper extremity deep vein thrombosis associated with vigorous activity of the upper extremities. We present a rare case of a young swimmer who presented with a painful right upper extremity swelling, with compression ultrasound (CUS) revealing extensive venous clots in the basilic, axillary, and subclavian veins. Venous duplex revealed extrinsic compression of the subclavian vein, and catheter-based contrast venography confirmed our diagnosis of PSS. The patient was started on a therapeutic dose of subcutaneous enoxaparin and referred to a higher center for further intervention.

Preoperative thrombolysis is associated with improved vein patency and functional outcomes after first rib resection in acute Paget-Schroetter syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Most patients with acute Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) present in one of two manners: (1) thrombosis managed initially with thrombolysis and anticoagulation and then referred for surgery, and (2) initial treatment with anticoagulation only and later referral for surgery. Definitive benefits of thrombolysis in the acute period (the first 2 weeks after thrombosis) over anticoagulation alone have not been well reported. Our goal was to compare patients managed with early thrombolysis and anticoagulation followed by first rib resection (FRR) and later postoperative venography with venoplasty (PTA) with those managed with anticoagulation alone followed by FRR and PTA using vein patency assessed with venography and standardized outcome measures. METHODS: We reviewed a prospectively collected database from 2000 to 2019. Two groups were compared: those managed with early thrombolysis at our institution (Lysis) and those managed with anticoagulation alone (NoLysis). All patients underwent FRR. Venography was routinely performed before and after FRR. Standardized outcome measures included Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores and Somatic Pain Scale. RESULTS: A total of 50 Lysis and 50 NoLysis patients were identified. Pre-FRR venography showed that thrombolysis resulted in patency of 98% of veins, whereas 78% of NoLysis veins were patent. After FRR, postoperative venography revealed that 46 (92%) patients in the Lysis group and 37 (74%) patients in the NoLysis group achieved vein patency. Thrombolysis was significantly associated with final vein patency (odds ratio: 17 [4-199]; P < .001). Lysis patients had a trend toward lower QuickDASH scores from pre-FRR to post-FRR compared with NoLysis patients with a mean difference of -16.4 (±19.7) vs -5.2 (±15.6) points (P = .13). The difference in reduction of Somatic Pain Scale scores was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombolysis as initial management of PSS, combined with anticoagulation, followed by FFR and VenoPTA resulted in improved final vein patency and may lead to an improved functional outcome measured with QuickDASH scores. Therefore, clinical protocols using thrombolysis as initial management should be considered when planning the optimal treatment strategy for patients with acute PSS.