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Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
An Unusual Cause of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Davide Zampieri1, Giuseppe Marulli1, Marco Mammana1
1Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.
Abstract:
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition arising from compression of the subclavian vessels and/or brachial plexus. Many factors or diseases may cause compression of the neurovascular bundle at the thoracic outlet. We describe the case of a 41-year-old woman with TOS who presented with vascular venous symptoms. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a cystic mass at the level of cervico-thoracic junction, located between the left subclavian artery and vein, which appeared compressed. The cystic mass was removed through a cervical approach and it was found to be a cyst arising from the thoracic duct compressing and anteriorly dislocating the left subclavian vein. After surgery symptoms promptly disappeared.
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