Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) describes a set of disorders that arise from the compression of the neurovascular structures that exit the thorax and enter the upper extremity. This can present as one of three subtypes: neurogenic, venous, or arterial. Neurological compression is the most common form of thoracic outlet syndrome. Vascular complications occur infrequently. Arterial complications usually result from compression of the subclavian artery by a complete cervical rib. Venous complications are often related to muscle compression of the subclavian vein.
Some examples of congenital etiologies include the presence of a cervical rib or an anomalous first rib. Traumatic causes most commonly include whip-lash injuries and falls. Functional acquired causes can be related to vigorous, repetitive activity associated with sports or work. Pregnancy has also been reported as an etiology.
Archie M, Rigberg D. Vascular TOS-Creating a Protocol and Sticking to It. Diagnostics (Basel). 2017 Jun 10;7(2):34. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics7020034. PMID: 28604581; PMCID: PMC5489954.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/thoracic-outlet-syndrome
Archie M, Rigberg D. Vascular TOS-Creating a Protocol and Sticking to It. Diagnostics (Basel). 2017 Jun 10;7(2):34. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics7020034. PMID: 28604581; PMCID: PMC5489954.
Masocatto NO, Da-Matta T, Prozzo TG, Couto WJ, Porfirio G. Thoracic outlet syndrome: a narrative review. Rev Col Bras Cir. 2019 Dec 20;46(5):e20192243. Portuguese, English. doi: 10.1590/0100-6991e-20192243. PMID: 31859722.
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