Diagnosis and management of Paget-Schroetter's syndrome

Paget-Schroetter's syndrome (PSS) is an effort-related syndrome involving upper extremity deep vein thromboses (UEDVTs) that usually occur in the subclavian or axillary veins. The aetiology is distinct from that of lower extremity DVTs (LEDVTs). Although rare, the syndrome can occur in young, otherwise healthy people who participate in upper extremity activity (Roche-Nagle et al 2007) such as footballer Gary Cahill, a defender at Bolton Wanderers, whose hopes of playing football at international level this season have diminished as a result of developing a UEDVT (BBC Sport 2010). This article discusses the incidence and aetiology, and provides a case study, of the syndrome.