R A Cooke1. 1. Summers Place, Whitbourne, Worcester, UK. Roger@vwfmed.fsnet.co.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a cause of vascular and neurological compromise to the arm and hand, and may manifest as Raynaud's phenomenon. It may be under-diagnosed. AIM: This review was undertaken in order to clarify the diagnostic and investigative features of TOS that may differentiate it from hand-arm vibration syndrome. METHODS: A tiered review of the world literature was undertaken using Medline and Embase as the primary search engines. CONCLUSION: Thoracic outlet syndrome most commonly presents with neurological symptoms in the arm. Vascular symptoms, including Raynaud's phenomenon, may occur in approximately 10% of cases. Careful clinical assessment by history and examination may reveal the elements of forearm and upper arm symptoms with postural exacerbation, which distinguish this condition from hand-arm vibration syndrome. The usefulness of investigation is unclear, but Doppler and neuroelectric studies may be valuable. Magnetic resonance imaging scan is the investigation of choice.
BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a cause of vascular and neurological compromise to the arm and hand, and may manifest as Raynaud's phenomenon. It may be under-diagnosed. AIM: This review was undertaken in order to clarify the diagnostic and investigative features of TOS that may differentiate it from hand-arm vibration syndrome. METHODS: A tiered review of the world literature was undertaken using Medline and Embase as the primary search engines. CONCLUSION: Thoracic outlet syndrome most commonly presents with neurological symptoms in the arm. Vascular symptoms, including Raynaud's phenomenon, may occur in approximately 10% of cases. Careful clinical assessment by history and examination may reveal the elements of forearm and upper arm symptoms with postural exacerbation, which distinguish this condition from hand-arm vibration syndrome. The usefulness of investigation is unclear, but Doppler and neuroelectric studies may be valuable. Magnetic resonance imaging scan is the investigation of choice.
Authors: Riitta Sauni; Rauno Pääkkönen; Pauliina Virtema; Ville Jäntti; Mika Kähönen; Esko Toppila; Ilmari Pyykkö; Jukka Uitti Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2008-09-10 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Andrea Cantalamessa; Stefano Martin; Andrea Marchegiani; Alessandro Fruganti; Fabrizio Dini; Adolfo Maria Tambella Journal: J Vet Med Sci Date: 2017-05-18 Impact factor: 1.267