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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
06:57
Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
Computed tomography angiography to evaluate thoracic outlet neurovascular compression
Ravishankar Hasanadka1, Jonathan B Towne, Gary R Seabrook
1Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
|August 21, 2007
Summary
Computed tomography angiography with arm hyperabduction effectively diagnoses thoracic outlet syndrome. This imaging technique helps confirm neurovascular compression, predicting successful surgical outcomes for patients.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Vascular Imaging
- Surgical Diagnosis
Background:
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) presents diagnostic challenges, often requiring adjunctive imaging.
- Neurogenic TOS symptoms necessitate accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of computed tomography angiography (CTA) combined with upper extremity hyperabduction for TOS.
- To determine if CTA findings correlate with surgical outcomes in TOS patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 21 patients surgically treated for neurogenic TOS over 5 years.
- Analysis of adjunctive imaging, including CTA with hyperabduction, for cases with unclear diagnoses.
- Correlation of positive CTA findings with surgical decompression success.
Main Results:
- Five out of six CTA studies performed were positive for neurovascular compression.
- Ninety-five percent of patients with a positive physical hyperabduction test reported symptom relief post-surgery.
- All patients with positive CTA findings and localized thoracic outlet compression achieved successful operative decompression.
Conclusions:
- Computed tomography angiography with arm hyperabduction is a valuable tool for diagnosing TOS.
- CTA can accurately identify neurovascular compression and predict successful surgical intervention for TOS.
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