[Thoracic outlet syndrome : Interdisciplinary diagnostics and treatment]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Neurology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves compression of nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic aperture.
• This compression can result from congenital or acquired anatomical narrowing, affecting structures like the scalene muscles, first rib, or pectoralis minor muscle.
• Isolated venous compression is termed thoracic inlet syndrome (TIS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).
• To highlight diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies for TOS.
• To emphasize the need for specialized care in managing TOS.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical conditions associated with TOS.
• Discussion of anatomical structures involved in TOS.
• Overview of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for TOS.

Main Results:

• TOS presents with diverse symptoms, often leading to prolonged diagnostic delays.
• Conservative treatment (physical therapy, pain management) is indicated for TOS without anatomical anomalies.
• TOS should be considered in young patients with unexplained upper extremity embolic events.

Conclusions:

• Multimodal diagnostics and targeted therapy for TOS are challenging, necessitating specialized treatment centers.
• Surgical interventions for TOS are complex but have established favorable outcomes.
• Early consideration of TOS is crucial, especially in cases of embolic events without other risk factors.