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Thoracic outlet syndromes.
1EMG Laboratory, Department of Neurology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Case Western Reserve University Medical School, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
Neurologic Clinics
|July 7, 1999
Summary
Thoracic outlet syndromes (TOS) encompass rare disorders affecting the brachial plexus and blood vessels. This review focuses on TOS subgroups causing neurologic symptoms due to brachial plexus compromise.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Thoracic outlet syndromes (TOS) represent a group of disorders affecting the brachial plexus and/or blood vessels.
- These conditions occur in the space between the neck base and the axilla.
- TOS is categorized into subgroups, some of which are rare and well-defined, while others remain controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distinct subgroups of thoracic outlet syndromes.
- To focus on TOS classifications involving neurologic symptoms attributed to brachial plexus compromise.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TOS classifications and presentations.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria for neurologic TOS subgroups.
- Discussion limited to TOS involving brachial plexus compression.
Main Results:
- Four TOS subgroups (true neurologic, arterial vascular, venous vascular, traumatic neurovascular) are rare and recognized.
- Disputed neurologic TOS is highly controversial.
- The article concentrates on the three TOS subgroups where brachial plexus compromise causes neurologic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Thoracic outlet syndromes are diverse, with varying degrees of clinical recognition and controversy.
- Understanding the specific subgroups, particularly those affecting the brachial plexus, is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Further research may clarify the nature of disputed neurologic TOS.