DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a spectrum of disorders resulting
from the compression of the neurovascular structures within the
thoracic outlet. The three main subtypes of TOS are defined by the
anatomic structure affected by the extrinsic compression. In the most
common subtype–neurogenic TOS–the brachial plexus is
compressed and symptoms include pain, arm paresthesias, and
sometimes weakness. Venous TOS is characterized by the
compression of the subclavian vein and its resultant thrombosis.
Arterial TOS is the least common and is distinguished by the
compression of the subclavian artery and the development of
aneurysms or stenoses with distal embolization. Treatment options
include physical therapy and surgical first rib resection via the
transaxillary or supraclavicular approach. The diagnosis of TOS and
appropriate patient selection for intervention are challenging due to
the frequent presence of vague symptoms in neurogenic TOS. Due
to the relative rarity of this condition, different approaches to
diagnosis and management exist, and optimum management
strategies continue to evolve.
The primary goals of this Special Issue on the “Diagnosis and
Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome” are to describe new and
established diagnostic and treatment modalities for TOS; to discuss
approaches to complex clinical situations, such as reoperative
treatment; and to review new research developments in the field of
TOS