[Thoracic outlet syndrome in a child: a rare pediatric diagnosis]

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare pediatric syndrome and few cases have been reported in the literature. The authors report the case of a 10-year-old boy with generalized arm pain and neck stiffness. The angiocomputed tomography revealed the presence of a TOS caused by an additional cervical rib and stenosis of the sub-clavian artery. The resection of this rib relieved the patient of his pain during a full year following surgery. This case reminds us that children can also be affected by TOS. When a cervical rib causes TOS, a resection is often necessary.

[Surgical treatment of cervical rib syndrome]

The authors report herein the results of examination and surgical management of fifty-one patients presenting with cervical ribs. Of these, there were 33 women. Compression of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) was found to be caused by a supplementary cervical rib in twenty-three patients while in the remaining 28 patients by a rudimentary cervical rib. Twenty-two patients were found to have clinical manifestations of Raynaud's syndrome. The presence of abnormal cervical ribs was determined roentgenologically. All the patients with rudimentary cervical ribs and twelve of the 23 patients with supplementary cervical ribs were diagnosed as having bilateral abnormalities. Haemodynamics was studied by Doppler ultrasonography revealing blood flow impairments in upper-limb arteries in Edson's test in patients with supplementary cervical ribs and Raynaud's syndrome. In rudimentary cervical rib - only in the development of Raynaud's syndrome. The nervous function was studied by means of electroneuromyography (ENMG). All the patients were diagnosed as having a significant decrease in both motor and sensitive nervous conductivity of the radial and median nerves. All patients were operated on under endotracheal anaesthesia. Decompression operations were carried out in fifty-one patients, with selective thoracocervical sympathectomy performed in twelve. For treating rudimentary cervical rib, we worked out a combined method of an operative intervention. Analysing the obtained surgical outcomes showed the following: forty-four patients (86.3%) endured the operation with no complications. Intraoperative complications were noted to occur in 5.9% of patients and complications in the immediate postoperative period were observed to develop in 7.8% of patients. All the encountered complications turned out transient, easily amendable to treatment, and did not influence the final outcome of the operation. In the remote period up to 5 years positive results remained in 90.2% of the patients.

Endoscopic transaxillary first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome: a safe surgical option

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic-assisted transaxillary first rib resection is a novel approach in the management of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and allows us to safely identify the neurovascular package and different structures. Our main objective is to assess the results of morbidity and mortality of the surgical treatment in TOS with this technique.

METHODS

We carried out a prospective, longitudinal study with 22 surgical interventions of transaxillary first rib resection with endoscopic support in patients with TOS from January 2000 to January 2009 in a private hospital located in Puebla, Mexico. There were 16 females and six males with a mean age of 35 years. We found 16/22 (72.7%) patients with neurological symptoms and 6/22 (27.3%) with venous symptoms; 2/22 (9.09%) patients had effort thrombosis of the axillary-subclavian vein.

RESULTS

Of the 22 interventions, we found fibrous bands in 8/22 patients (36.3%); 1/22 (4.5%) with type 1 cervical band and cervical rib grade II, 1/22 (4.5%) with type 2 cervical band and cervical rib grade I, 2/22 (9.09%) with band type 3, 1/22 (4.5%) with band type IV, 1/22 (4.5%) with band type V and 2/22 (9.09%) with band type VII and axillary-subclavian thrombosis. After the procedure, 20/22 (90.9%) patients showed total symptom improvement and 2/22 (9.1%) patients had mild paresthesias. There were no complications from nerve, vascular or pleural damage.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique provides an ample margin of safety and improves visibility, reducing surgical complications.

[Falconer-Weddel's costoclavicular syndrome]

Analysed herein are the findings of examination and outcomes of surgical management of fifty-eight patients (25 men and 33 women) presenting with Falconer-Weddel's costoclavicular syndrome in which the subclavian artery and vein and the brachial plexus at the thoracic outlet appear to be compressed. Of the 58 patients,five subjects were found to have a rudimentary cervical rib and three more (5.3%) patients had trophic disorders on their digits fingers: dystrophy of the nail plates, their fragility, periodically opening trophic ulcers at the digital tips and one patient presented with gangrene of the inguinal phalanx of the middle finger. Three patients had hyperemia of the face. A further four patients had roughening, hyperkeratosis of the skin of the hands, cracks. The presence of the supernumerary ribs was determined roentgenologically. Haemodynamics was studied using Doppler ultrasonography making it possible to reveal disordered blood flow in the upper-limb arteries in the physiological position assumed, in the Adson test as well as with Raynaud syndrome, which was observed in 39 patients. The function of the nerves was studied using electroneuromyography (ENMG). All patients were operated on under endotracheal anaesthesia. Decompression-medical operations were carried outperformed in all 58 patients, with the following four types of interventions being performed: transaxillary resection of the first rib combined with sympathectomy carried out in 23 patients, resection of the first rib without sympathectomy in eighteen patients, resection of the first rib via a surpraclavicular approach in four patients, scalenotomy and selective cervicothoracic sympathectomy in 13 patients.

Thoracic outlet syndrome with right subclavian artery dilatation in a child - transaxillary resection of the pediatric cervical rib

Cervical rib is a well-documented congenital anomaly, and thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) with vascular compression is extremely rare in childhood. The subclavian artery, subclavian vein, brachial plexus, or a combination of these can be affected in this syndrome. We present a case of TOS in an eight-year-old boy and describe the rare finding of subclavian artery compression with post-stenotic dilatation and severe brachial plexus compression symptoms. The patient underwent right transaxillary resection of the first thoracic and cervical rib. The presentation is unique and may be elusive.

First rib resection in thoracic outlet syndrome

Most patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) present with exercise-induced upper extremity paresthesia. Neurogenic TOS is the most common type where the brachial nerve plexus is compressed against a tight thoracic outlet. Vascular compromise although rare can result from thoracic outlet pressure against the subclavian artery or more commonly the subclavian vein. This article reviews the pathophysiology of TOS and describes several effective surgical interventions. Complete first rib resection with surgical decompression is an essential part of the treatment for TOS. First rib resection via supraclavicular or a preferred transaxillary route should be considered when conservative modalities provide no symptom improvement.

[The use of intravascular nitinol stents in the treatment of subclavian vein compression for thoracic outlet syndrome]

AIM

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the multimodal treatment (thrombolysis, anticoagulation and surgical decompression) of subclavian-axillary vein thrombosis (Paget-Schroetter syndrome) and possibility of shortening of time of therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this paper 23 patients with Paget-Schroetter syndrome in Department of Vascular, General and Transplantological Surgery is presented. Thrombolysis with rt-PA, anticoagulation with heparin and intra venous angioplasty with the use intravascular stent, and operation with resection of the first rib in the treatment of subclavian vein thrombosis was used. During the follow up period the patients were divided into two groups: group I (13 patients) with traditional surgical decompression after 3-4 months (potential risk of hemorage) and group II (10 patients) with early surgical treatment (median 8 days). Long-term follow-up was obtained by chart review and asking patients to complete the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire that was developed by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

RESULTS

Complete revascularization with venous thrombolysis was achived in all patients. Decompresion with transaxillary resection of first rib and venous revascularization were performed in the same procedure in all patients. Statistical difference were not found in both groups. Most patients report no disability of upper limb at work and sport activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodal treatment of Paget-Schroetter syndrome (thrombolysis, the use of intravascular stents and early thoracic outlet decompression) can be used as a optimal of therapeutic method to subclavian vein thrombosis. The advantages of immediate surgical treatment are a promotion of rapid resumption of athletic activities.

Das asymptomatische Thoracic-outlet-Kompressionssyndrom

The thoracic outlet compression syndrome has a great number of clinical variations. Arterial and venous perfusion impairment is an associated symptom, nerve irritation can occur with or without vascular problems. The degree of nerve damage ranges from transient irritation to permanent motoric and sensory defects. The lack of space in the supracostoclavicular compartment is the cause for nerve compression. The degree of neural damage depends on the degree and duration of the compression. Anatomic variations between the clavicle and first rib are frequent causes for the TOS: accessory ribs and muscles, and fibrous bands have been described. A preexisting chronic compression may lead to a subclinical TOS, in this case an inadequate trauma of minor degree may be sufficient to manifest a plexus palsy. Intraoperative findings in children with incomplete and complete brachial plexus palsy and the corresponding findings in adults prompted us to present this communication.

Combined Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Transaxillary First Rib Resection and Transcervical Scalenectomy

Many different procedures have been developed to treat thoracic outlet compression syndrome (TOCS), a condition in which neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet region are compressed. Currently, transaxillary first rib resection and transcervical anterior and middle scalenectomy are the most popular and standard procedures. In the early 1980s, some surgeons started to perform both procedures, starting with the scalenectomy and following with a transaxillary first rib resection. We have found that performing these procedures in the reverse order, starting with the first rib resection and following immediately with a transcervical anterior and middle scalenectomy accomplishes total decompression of the thoracic outlet area with much better improvement of symptoms and much lower recurrence rate.

Langzeitresultate nach operativer Therapie bei Thoracic-outlet-Syndrom (TOS)

This is a long-term follow-up analysis of patients who have been operated on for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) at our clinic in order to evaluate the quality of therapy and the criteria of indications for surgery. 39 patients with a total of 45 surgical procedures were examined after a median follow-up of 8.8 years. The results in this study are based exclusively on the subjective outcome assessment by the patients themselves. Assessment of the long-term result in the "vascular TOS" group (13 cases = 29 %) was good in ten cases (77 %), fair in two cases (15 %) and poor in one case (8 %). In agreement with the literature, we were able to achieve the best results in this group. In the "true neurological TOS" group (28 cases = 62 %), assessment of the long-term result was good in 19 cases (68 %), fair in six cases (21 %) and poor in three cases (11 %). A clear tendency to a poor prognosis could be seen in women with a combination of cervical rib and fibrous band and a long delay between onset of symptoms and surgery. Assessment of long-term result in the "disputed TOS" group (four cases = 9 %) showed good results in three cases and a fair result in one case. In the absence of objective pathologies, only few and carefully selected patients were operated upon. The presented long-term results confirm the use of individual therapeutic concepts with special consideration of anatomy and clinical picture.

Thoracic outlet syndrome in an adolescent with bilateral bifid ribs

Reported here is a 13-year-old girl suffering from pain in her right lower neck region and the shoulder for the preceding 2-3 years. She was diagnosed to have right thoracic outlet syndrome due to bifid ribs--caused by the bony fusion of the variant cervical rib. She was operated via supraclavicular approach, whereby the variant cervical rib and the fibrous bands were excised. She was found to be quite improved 1 month after surgery. Thoracic outlet syndrome, a rare disease of childhood, is discussed in the light of the relevant literature.

Malingering by proxy: a form of pediatric condition falsification

The deliberate production or feigning of signs or symptoms in a child by a caretaker is well recognized as factitious disorder by proxy, a psychiatric condition commonly reported in the pediatric literature. However, it is not as well recognized that the false illness portrayal may also be the result of a parent instructing the child to malinger. A case report of a 13-year-old patient who feigned an immobile upper extremity for the purpose of obtaining a legal settlement is presented. Physicians are encouraged to make protecting the child from parental or iatrogenic harm a priority. Recommendations for careful confrontation and expedient resolution are made.

Management of cervical ribs causing neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: a ten year experience in the neurosurgery unit, Tikur Anbessa Hospital

Eighteen cases of cervical Ribs causing numbness, paraesthesia and wasting of hand muscles were seen during the years 1990 to 1999 in neurosurgery unit of Tikur Anbessa, a central, referral teaching hospital. There were thirteen cases of unilateral, and 5 bilateral brachialgic pains M:F = 1:2 with ages range from 15-50 yrs (mean age 32 +/- 4.8 yrs); though it is 3 times common in women specially those with neurologic symptoms. 5 cases didn't have any cervical ribs. All had respective cervical rib resections and scalenotomy done. Paraesthesia and pain were relieved in about 90% of the cases. Cervical rib causing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a rare condition commonly seen in less than 1% of the population as seen here in 18 cases in 10 years period. The absence of cervical rib doesn't rule out thoracic outlet syndrome as it can be from anomalous first ribs, scalenus anticus syndrome or congenital fibromuscular bands. Surgical excision has a good neurological outcome. No subclavian vessel especially arterial compression cases were seen in this study as cervical ribs can cause neurovascular compression. The diagnostic and therapeutic measures are clearly stated as this syndrome is a diagnostic and treatment challenge to the practicing general surgeons. Accurate diagnosis and proper surgical intervention are very crucial for the good outcome.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

Current concepts for the diagnosis of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome are presented together with the surgical experience and results in series of 51 patients caused by a cervical rib. Surgical treatment is recommended in patients with persistent and disabling symptoms not responding to conservative therapy. In carefully selected patients good to excellent results can be achieved.

[Vascular complications in thoracic outlet syndrome: combined transaxillary revascularization and rib resection]

Based on two patients with vascular complications in thoracic outlet-syndrome, the anatomic and pathophysiologic principles prior to surgery are discussed. Causative therapy including rib resection and elimination of the embolic source in the subclavian artery is often supplemented by peripheral revascularization with bypass, lysis and/or sympathectomy. The transaxillary approach seems to be optimal, combining minimally invasive principles with a long exposure of the subclavian artery from segment 3 to the proximal axillary artery.

A comparison of surgery for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome between laborers and nonlaborers

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors of outcome following surgical intervention for neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS).

METHODS

In a retrospective study of patients surgically treated for NTOS, outcome was evaluated by postoperative symptoms and the ability of patients to return to work.

RESULTS

Good, fair, and poor results were obtained in 26 (48%), 21 (39%), and 7 (13%) patients, respectively. The best predictor of a good outcome was occupation. Nonlaborers were more likely to have good outcome (21 of 32, 66%) when compared with laborers (5 of 22, 23%; P = 0.0025). Only 6 of 20 (30%) laborers were able to return to their original occupation compared with 17 of 26 (65%) nonlaborers (P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Laborers with NTOS are less likely to have a good result from surgical intervention, are unlikely to return to their original occupation, and may require retraining for a non-labor-intensive occupation if they cannot return to their original work.

[Aneurysms of the subclavian artery in thoracic outlet syndrome]

The true subclavian artery aneurysm is a rare but dangerous complication of TOS. During a 20 years time period we observed 18 patients with subclavian artery aneurysms. 12 of these patients showed cervical ribs. Half of the patients (n = 9) presented with a critical ischemia of an upper extremity, nine patients were operated on electively. The acute ischemia makes the desobliteration of the outflow tract necessary first. The next step ist the transaxillary exarticulation of the first rib and the resection of the aneurysm. The reconstruction of the subclavian artery is performed by using autologous vein material or PTFE prostheses. In two cases both with an acute embolic critical ischemia major amputations were unavoidable. 13 patients could be reexamined in 1996: 11 bypasses proved to be functioning, 2 were definitely occluded.

[Thoracic outlet syndrome--an interdisciplinary topic. Experience with diagnosis and therapy in a 15-year patient cohort (80 trans-axillary resections of the 1st rib in 67 patients) and a literature review]

Because of its wide variety of symptoms, the neurovascular compression syndrome of the upper thoracic aperture or thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has to be distinguished from several differential diagnoses, especially orthopedic ones. It is mainly characterized by pressure lesion of the brachial plexus and secondly, by accompanying vascular damages. An indication for surgery exists in cases of persisting or increasing complaints or function loss of shoulder, arm or hand muscles as well as in cases with occurrence of vascular damage. The treatment of choice consists of transaxillary resection of the first rib. This report presents a record of our results after transaxillary surgery and compares them to the results given in current international literature. During the last few years 3031 cases of transaxillary resections (13-473 cases) were described in international literature. The average follow-up period was 7.8 years (2-22 years). The results were good in 81.4% (50-93%) of the cases. From 02/80 to 03/94, we treated 67 patients with altogether 80 thoracic outlet syndromes (TOS). Each of them was treated similarly with extensive transaxillary resection of the first rib, excision of fibrous bands and, if necessary, of cervical ribs. Our results after surgery (84.5% of complete resolution or improvement of symptoms) compare favorably to those given by other authors. The average follow-up period was 6.6 years (0.5-14 years). Our results confirm, that transaxillary resection of the first rib is the method of choice in the treatment of thoracic outlet syndromes.

Arterial complications of the thoracic outlet syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Arterial complications due to compression of the thoracic outlet are uncommon. The objective of this study was to review our fairly extensive experience with this problem with particular reference to its management.

METHODS

Patients entered into the Vascular Clinic database were reviewed over an 11 year period. Twenty six records were found. In 24 patients the vasculopathy was caused by a cervical rib (complete in 15) and in two by an anomaly of the first rib. In all patients the basic arteriopathy was a fibrous structure with a post-stenotic aneurysm in 13. Seventeen presented with a fixed pulse deficit; 13 had a palpable aneurysm and 12 had distal embolisation.

RESULTS

Two patients refused operation. In 22 with cervical rib, the rib was removed via a supraclavicular incision, an anterior scalenectomy was performed and the arterial pathology repaired on its merit, usually by vein graft replacement or bypass. In two with first rib anomalies these were resected by the transaxillary route. Twenty three patients have been followed for between 3 months and 10 years; 20 are cured and three have residual claudication.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that simple excision of the cervical rib via the supraclavicular route together with vascular reconstruction is adequate. This is in disagreement with the view of those who advocate routine excision of the first rib in addition to cervical rib excision.

[The superior thoracic outlet compression syndrome: a report of a case in childhood with complete cervical rib]

Authors report a paediatric patient with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOC) and complete cervical rib. The symptoms at the time of presentation result from pressure on either the subclavian vessels or the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. TOC is infrequent in young people and usually the symptomatology does'nt need a surgical approach. Some Authors affirm that there are necessary impulsive moments like growth, increased muscular mass and rib ossification, decreased elasticity of ligaments, vessels, muscles and nerves, for outcoming the clinical manifestations. Paediatric competention has risen until adolescent age and may be more frequent the observation of this syndrome that present problems of both diagnosis and management.

Distal arterial reconstruction using Esmarch's bandage technique to salvage upper extremity function in thoracic outlet syndrome caused by cervical ribs: a report of two cases

We present herein the cases of two patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) who required arterial reconstruction due to gangrene of the fingers and/or hand. In both patients, the cervical ribs had produced intimal injury of the subclavian arteries, and the successive distal arterial embolism brought about severe ischemia of the affected upper extremity. To treat the TOS, the cervical ribs were resected through a supraclavicular incision. In the first patient, arterial reconstruction was performed from the subclavian artery to the radial collateral artery, a branch of the deep brachial artery, which resulted in minimizing amputation of the gangrenous hand. In the second patient, resection and direct anastomosis of the injured subclavian artery were performed, and bypass surgery from a brachial artery to an interosseous artery was carried out, preserving finger function. Reversed saphenous vein grafts were utilized and Esmarch's bandage technique was applied as a substitute for a vascular clamp in both patients. Following these case reports, we discuss the technique of performing distal bypass in the upper extremities and comment on the usefulness of Esmarch's bandage technique for preserving upper extremity function.

[The choice of approach in the surgical therapy of the superior thoracic outlet syndrome]

The symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) may be improved or cured either by physiotherapy or by a surgical operation. The choice of patients to be submitted to surgery must be performed on the basis of clinical picture and of non invasive and invasive assessment. Moreover the surgeon must choose the best procedure to relieve symptoms. The Authors on the basis of their experience and of a literature review refer to the various surgical approaches used in the treatment of TOS.

Continuing experience with transaxillary excision of the first rib for thoracic outlet syndrome

The results of transaxillary excision of the first rib for thoracic outlet syndrome are reported. During a 3-year period, 40 transaxillary rib resections were performed on 32 patients. The symptoms in 33 limbs were completely relieved and in a further four symptoms were improved. These results confirm that transaxillary excision of the first rib is the operation of choice in the management of thoracic outlet syndrome.

[The thoracic outlet: true syndromes, disputed syndrome (TOS, thoracic outlet syndrome). Current status 1991]

There are 5 syndromes involving the thoracic outlet. The first four, although not well known, especially the first two, are authentic; they are: 1) arterial, due to a well formed cervical rib or to an incompletely formed first rib; 2) neurological, related to the fibrous band associated with a rudimentary cervical rib or a giant transverse process of C7; 3) venous, namely "effort thrombosis"; 4) late post-traumatic, secondary to a fracture of the clavicle. The study of these four syndromes prepares the reader to that of the controversial fifth syndrome, which is entirely subjective, made only of symptoms. The fifth syndrome, by very far the most frequent in the literature, called "scalenus anticus syndrome" in the past, now called "thoracic outlet syndrome" or "TOS" by North-American authors, has two varieties, one where hypotonic shoulder muscles, mostly in women, respond well to specific and simple exercises, and one where there is an accident in the background, a whiplash type of injury in most cases. Despite the fact that TOS is made only of symptoms, "diagnosing" it has led to scores of operations, scalenotomy in the past, now mostly resection of the first rib, sometimes scalenectomy. Huge surgical statistics, that deal mostly with resection of the first rib, have not proven the authenticity of this second variety of the 5th syndrome. Surgeons report only early surgical results, and the results claimed are invariably impressive. Never is there a statistic about return to work after surgery. First rib resection can be dangerous and it can be complicated by tardy permanent brachial plexopathy. One very recent European study proves the discrepancy between the early appreciation of the results by the surgeon and the late appreciation by independent observers.

Surgical management of the thoracic outlet compression syndrome

There is some disagreement about whether the first rib should be excised in the presence of a cervical rib for the relief of the thoracic outlet compression syndrome (TOCS). Over a 14-year period (1975-1988) 58 patients have undergone surgery for TOCS. Forty-four patients (76 per cent) had vascular symptoms, 28 (48 per cent) with a neurological component; 11 (19 per cent) had only neurological symptoms. Thirty-six patients (62 per cent) had the first rib excised; 19 (33 per cent) had a cervical rib excised; two (3 per cent) had a division of fibrous bands; and one patient had a large transverse process resected. Follow-up details were available on 53 patients (91 per cent). Overall 38 (72 per cent) were cured of their symptoms, 11 (21 per cent) had a significant improvement, and four (8 per cent) showed no improvement. There was no significant difference between the results following excision of a cervical rib or of a first rib in terms of relief of symptoms. In patients with TOCS who have a cervical rib, excision of the cervical rib alone without excision of the first rib would appear to be an appropriate treatment.

Thoracic outlet syndrome. Neurosurgical perspective

Neurosurgeons have for the most part abdicated a role in thoracic outlet surgery and have left the diagnosis and treatment of these patients to thoracic, vascular, and general surgeons. We view this as unfortunate. Neurosurgeons are well-positioned to diagnose these conditions. The major source of confusion with regard to diagnosis is cervical spine disease or peripheral nerve entrapment diseases with which neurosurgeons are quite familiar. Orthopedic consultations with regard to shoulder pathology are encouraged. The supraclavicular approach to treatment is one with which most neurosurgeons will be comfortable. However, the transaxillary approach is also one which neurosurgeons should be able to master readily. Working with long instruments in deep holes is a familiar surgical environment. It should be stressed, however, that part of the reason for the controversy concerning TOS stems from the fact that the morbidity rate from the transaxillary approach is high in some centers. We believe this results from inadequate technique. Neurosurgeons with training that emphasizes a high regard for neural tissue should be able to master both approaches. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a disease that most neurosurgeons will see on a regular basis. Thus, it needs to be recognized, and patients need to be analyzed from a neurologic perspective. The differential diagnosis should be considered thoughtfully. Operative intervention by experienced surgeons in properly selected patients will yield satisfying results.

Thoracic outlet syndrome. Thoracic surgery perspective

We have attempted throughout this review to identify the issues surrounding thoracic outlet syndrome as well as to highlight their origins. It should be clear that many aspects of TOS remain controversial from the definition of the entity through pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. The conflicts surrounding TOS are underlined most poignantly in the many letters to the editor of the New England Journal of Medicine in response to Urschel's 1972 publication. It is incumbent upon those of us who treat patients with TOS to dispel the ignorance surrounding this syndrome with astute, accurate, and reproducible observations. We must clearly define TOS as a clinical entity such that we may analyze the characteristics of the patients we treat. We must continue to search for innovative and specific diagnostic criteria. We must quantitatively and reproducibly measure subjective end points of pain severity and quality of life. The use of these methods will provide yardsticks for therapeutic success and act as determinants for the natural history of TOS. The objectives of treatment will remain the alleviation of symptoms and the restoration of function. We have applied these principles to the formulation of a protocol in which we record, in a prospective manner, both routine and innovative clinical parameters. With quantification of subjective end points, we may be able to correlate clinical presentation with outcome. We also may be able to define with some accuracy this entity we call thoracic outlet syndrome.

[Complete cervical rib. Possible neurovascular implications of the upper limb]

The thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is caused by compression of the brachial plexus or subclavian artery or vein in the region of the neck and shoulder girdle. The neurovascular bundle may be compressed at multiple sites: costoclavicular space, interscalene triangle, insertion of the pectoralis minor into the coracoid process. More than 90% of the patients present with neurologic symptoms: pain, paraesthesias or arm and hand weakness and 10% also have vascular problems. The diagnosis of TOS is always difficult and depends on careful clinical study of patients. For the neurological type of TOS, electromyograms, arteriograms and venograms are not helpful. The value of Doppler study and of arteriography is demonstrated in the present case of a woman with a five month history of pain and paraesthesias of the arm and hand, who shoved sudden occlusion of left humeral artery. Roentgenograms showed the presence of a well developed left cervical rib. Doppler study and arteriography showed the compression of subclavian artery with the arm abduction manoeuver. After first rib resection and humeral artery thrombectomy there was a complete return of humeral artery flow and of all neurologic functions. Thus the role of first cervical rib or other bone and muscular structures must be emphasyzed both in the brachial and in the subclavian artery or vein compression. Embolization of the axillary or humeral artery should be corrected as soon as possible when the cervical rib is corrected.

Results of excision of a cervical rib in patients with the thoracic outlet syndrome

Excision of a cervical rib in patients with the thoracic outlet syndrome has been the subject of debate. One surgeon's experience of 23 cervical rib excisions is presented. Ten operations produced a complete cure, eleven improvement, and two no change in the patient's condition. Of 15 cases with neurological symptoms alone, 9 were cured, 5 improved and 1 was not helped; in contrast, of 8 patients with vascular symptoms, 1 was cured, 6 were improved and 1 was not helped. We conclude that cervical rib resection is the correct treatment for patients whose symptoms are predominantly neurological. Rib resection alone may not be sufficient in patients with vascular symptoms. The management of a cervical rib with vascular involvement is discussed.

Lower trunk brachial plexus compression neuropathy due to cervical rib in young athletes

Compression by a cervical rib may result in neurologic and/or vascular symptoms. Two patients are reported with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) secondary to cervical rib. Both patients had vague shoulder pain as well as neurologic manifestations due to compression neuropathy of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. One patient was suspected initially to have carpal tunnel syndrome.

[Thoracic outlet compression syndrome]

In patients suffering from chronic, therapy-resistant shoulder and arm pains, the thoracic outlet compression syndrome (TOS) should be included in the differential diagnosis. It is very important to look out for neurogenic disorders as well as early signs of vascular compression in order to prevent ischaemic injuries. Although the initial complaints appear slight and can in some cases be treated successfully by conservative methods, neurogenic disorders due to TOS as well as arterial and venous manifestations of the syndrome should be treated by resection of the first rib. Only in this way can irreversible neurogenic lesions and arterial or venous complications be prevented.

Anatomical bases of transaxillary resection of the first rib

Anatomical study of the costoclavicular space, with approach via inferolateral axillary route, allowing resection of the first rib. With the patient in the semisupine position, lifting the arm to the zenith allows the costoclavicular space to be opened widely and separation of the plane of the first rib from the neurovascular structures of the lateral wall of the axillary pyramid. In the first part of our work, we study successively the bony frame and its anatomical variations, the muscular frame and its anomalies, the cervical pleura and its associated fibromembranous complex. The second part is a succinct summary of the different stages of transaxillary resection of the first rib, with mention of the operative risks and landmarks in this approach.

Supraclavicular radical scalenectomy and transaxillary first rib resection for the thoracic outlet syndrome. A combined approach

Transaxillary resection of the first rib alone was performed 97 times to relieve symptoms of irritation of the brachial plexus. Persistent or recurrent symptoms occurred in a fifth of the patients (7 and 13 patients, respectively), and necessitated reoperation using the supraclavicular approach. In all patients, at least one anomaly or acquired deformity was found that could not have been identified or safely removed by the original transaxillary approach alone. Subsequently, 94 combined operations, including supraclavicular radical scalenectomy with neurolysis of the brachial plexus and transaxillary resection of the first rib, were performed for irritation of the brachial plexus. The improved results using the combined procedure has led us to recommend it for the majority of symptomatic patients with irritation of the brachial plexus. The combined approach allows precise assessment of the thoracic outlet anatomy, facilitates first and cervical rib resection, and permits removal of any additional congenital or acquired lesions. It is associated with a low failure rate and results in few postoperative complications. However, the transaxillary approach alone may be suited for the patient with localized lower plexus symptomatology, keeping in mind the risk of recurrent symptoms associated with this technique.

Staging of arterial complications of cervical rib: guidelines for surgical management

Subclavian artery compression by a cervical rib is an uncommon but potentially disabling condition. A series of 12 patients with 15 arterial lesions is reviewed and a staging system proposed to provide guidelines for managing patients with this condition. Stage I lesions have only arterial stenosis and minor poststenotic dilatation and are managed by thoracic outlet decompression, usually consisting of cervical rib resection. Stage II lesions have intrinsic arterial damage usually with subclavian aneurysm formation and require rib resection, aneurysmectomy, and arterial reconstruction. Stage III lesions present with distal thromboembolic complications and require thrombectomy or embolectomy in addition to thoracic outlet decompression and arterial reconstruction. The anatomic and pathophysiologic bases of the syndrome are reviewed and clinical and angiographic examples of each stage are presented.

[Thoracic outlet syndrome. Apropos of 112 cases: toward a more refined tactical approach]

A total of 112 operations were performed in 87 patients with a cervicobrachial syndrome, 25 with bilateral lesions, over a period of 8 years. Surgery was reserved for severe or complicated cases. Presenting signs were complex and intricated in 53 p. cent of cases, with neurological lesions predominating. Absence of radial pulse after 90 degrees abduction of the arm, present in 87 p. cent of patients, is not a specific diagnostic test as positive results are obtained in over one-third of a normal population. Electromyography confirmed clinical lesions of the brachial plexus in only one out of 8 cases. A more precise and more sensitive procedure for electromyographic exploration of the plexus was therefore established. Dynamic arteriography of the upper limbs was not conducted routinely (70 p. cent of cases), but was reserved for arterial, neuro-arterial, and arterial and venous forms. The axillary approach was used exclusively (94 times), between 1974 and 1980. However, the frequency of postoperative complications (10 p. cent), and the high level of poor or incomplete results (19.5 p. cent) led to the reestablishment of the supraclavicular route of approach. The latter is used preferentially in neurological forms (57 p. cent of cases in this series) in cases requiring correction of an arterial lesion (aneurysm, ulcerated plaque), or when a cervical rib or apophysomegalia of the 7th cervical vertebra is associated.

[Cervical rib syndrome with aneurysm of the subclavian artery. Clinical case]

Authors refer to a clinical case in which they observed the association of bilateral cervical ribs with aneurism of subclavian artery. They underline the high frequencey of occasional observations of anomalies of the thoracic outlet, and consider the possible pathogenetic mechanisms of the thoracic outlet syndrome and associated vascular damages.