Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Causing by Cervical Rib

Abstract

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is an uncommon disease. It may causes by cervical rib, scar tissues which compress to structure at thoracic outlet area such as subclavian artery, subclavian vein and brachial plexus. The symptoms which are caused by compressing these structures are pale, swelling, numbness, weakness and pain. The author reports a case of twenty one years old female who complained mass at left supraclavicular area and numbness at left hand and forearm. Her electrodiagnostic study diagnosed neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Partial left cervical rib resection was done in this case. After operation for 4 months, the symptoms were improved. Therefore, the diagnosis of this syndrome is important that helps clinicians to correctly plan of treatment.




J Med Cases. 2014;5(2):120-122
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc1669w