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Updated: May 5, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
Thromboembolic stroke associated with thoracic outlet syndrome
Ella M Meumann1, Jason Chuen2, Greg Fitt3
1Department of Neurology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract:
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs due to compression of the neurovascular structures as they exit the thorax. Subclavian arterial compression is usually due to a cervical rib, and is rarely associated with thromboembolic stroke. The mechanism of cerebral embolisation associated with the thoracic outlet syndrome is poorly understood, but may be due to retrograde propagation of thrombus or transient retrograde flow within the subclavian artery exacerbated by arm abduction. We report an illustrative patient and review the clinical features, imaging findings and management of stroke associated with thoracic outlet syndrome.
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