[Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2017:161:D1385.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) is a type of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) where compression of the brachial plexus is responsible for development of upper-extremity, head and neck symptoms. We present a 16-year-old and a 34-year-old patient with nTOS. Diagnosis in both cases was done by following the recently published reporting standards for (n)TOS. After this multidisciplinary diagnostic work-up we performed a transaxillary thoracic outlet decompression (TOD). Due to lack of literature, difficult nomenclature and complexity of diagnosis and treatment, diagnosis of nTOS is often delayed. Recent experience shows that treatment of nTOS is safe and effective, both in the short term and the long term.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brachial Plexus
  • Decompression, Surgical*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome