Subclavian Steal Syndrome

Question 1

Pathophysiology of SSS?

Answer 1

Stenosis of the subclavian artery protocol to the origin of the vertebral artery causing reversal of blood flow in ipsilateral vertebral artery causing reduced cerebral perfusion upon exertion involving the affected arm

Question 2

Clinical features of SSS?
-Limb symptoms
-Neuro symptoms

Answer 2

Limb ischemia: pain, parasthesia, pale cool skin, weak delayed radial pulse

Neurological: dizziness, vertigo, syncope

Question 3

Diagnostic tests of subclavian steal syndrome?
-what will they show?

Answer 3

Doppler ultrasound, duplex ultrasound, or Magnetic resonance angiography which shows reversal of blood flow

Question 4

Treatment of subclavian steal syndrome?
-Asymptomatic
-Symptomatic

Answer 4

Asymptomatic: usually don’t require treatment, just lifestyle changes to avoid atherosclerosis

Symptomatic: angioplasty and stenting or surgical revascularization