[Primary exertion thrombophlebitis of the upper extremities: clinical and therapeutic aspects]

The authors present 4 cases of "effort" thrombophlebitis of the upper limb that were diagnosed both clinically and thrombophlebographically, and in whom classical therapy was applied: total rest, anticoagulants, elevation of the limb. All the cases had sequels of variable intensity, and in 2 of the patients Roos' transaxillary route was used which revealed a double anterior scalenus muscle insertion, and compressive fibro-sclerous tissue. The pathogeny of the affection makes mandatory the removal of extrinsic or intrinsic factors which may generate a new thrombosis or vascular and neurologic sequels.