Arterial.11.Thoracic outlet syndrome Flashcards
DEFINITION of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
This is a neurovascular syndrome due to compression of the roots of the brachial plexus & the subclavian artery, as they pass from the neck to the axilla through a narrow triangle bounded by :
- The scalenus anterior muscle.
- The scalenus medius muscle.
- The 1st rib.
affection of subclavian vein in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- The subclavian vein passes anterior to the scalenus anterior muscle outside this triangle
- thus it is rarely affected in this syndrome.
ETIOLOGY of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Cervical rib syndrome
- Scalene syndrome
- Post fixation of the brachial plexus (C6-T2).
- Malunion of fracture clavicle 1%
- Tumour or infection of the 1st rib.
- Pancoast tumour.
Cervical rib syndrome in ETIOLOGY of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Definition
- Side
- Anatomical types of the cervical rib
Definition of Cervical rib syndrome in ETIOLOGY of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Presence of an extra rib Arising from C7
Side of Cervical rib syndrome in ETIOLOGY of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Bilateral or unilateral
* RT> Lt
Anatomical types of the cervical rib in Cervical rib syndrome in ETIOLOGY of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
a) Complete rib.
b) Incomplete rib : Ending in a tapering point, which is connected by a fibrous band to the scalene tubercle of 1st rib.
c) Fibrous band
Scalene syndrome in ETIOLOGY of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Scalene muscle abnormalities :
a) Hypertrophy of the scalenus medius muscle
b) Abnormal insertion of the 2 scalene muscles with narrowing of the space left between them.
c) A rudimentary muscle (scalenus minimus)
A rudimentary muscle (scalenus minimus) in Scalene syndrome in ETIOLOGY of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- arising from the C7 transverse process
* inserted into the 1st rib.
Brachial plexus originates from
C5 - T1 roots
pre fixation of the brachial plexus
C4 - C8 roots
Post fixation of the brachial plexus
C6 - T2 roots
CLINICAL PICTURE of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
3 groups of symptoms are encountered :
(1) Arterial symptoms :
(2) Nerve-pressure symptoms : Commonest presentation
(3) Venous symptoms :
(4) Local symptoms (Rare) :
Arterial symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
A- Chronic U.L ischemia
B- Raynaud’s phenomenon.
C. In complicated cases
Chronic U.L ischemia in Arterial symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Intermittent claudication pain of the U.L with exercise & relieved by rest
sensation of coldness, numbness or paraesthesia.
complicated cases in Arterial symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- The intermittent compression produces atheromatous changes in the artery and post-stenotic aneurysmal dilatation.
- Within this aneurysmal dilatation thrombosis may occur
- Showers of emboli may be dislodged into the peripheral circulation causing gangrene of the finger tips especially the index.
Nerve-pressure symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Incidence
Pathogenesis
Clinical picture
Incidence of Nerve-pressure symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Commonest presentation of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome