Blood vessels and nerves exiting the thorax at the axilla may be compressed, resulting in a thoracic outlet syndrome.
NOTE: The term "thoracic outlet syndrome" is also used for structures entering or leaving the thorax at the neck.
Causes of the compression:
(1) congenital cervical rib
(2) trauma
(3) tumor
Clinical features:
(1) pain (see below)
(2) paresthesias
(3) fatigability in the arm
(4) vascular changes (coldness, color change, Raynaud's syndrome), especially when caused by a change in arm position
(5) brachial plexus tenderness to palpation
(6) sensory and/or motor deficits in the upper extremity
Location of Pain and Paresthesias |
Nerve Roots |
Site of Compression |
shoulder, neck and radial aspect of arm and forearm |
C5 and C6 |
upper brachial plexus |
ulnar aspect of arm and forearm |
C8 and T1 |
lower brachial plexus |
Specialty: Neurology
ICD-10: ,