[Diagnosis and treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome].

OBJECTIVE

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is clinically common, but liable to be misdiagnosed. We would like to emphasize the recognition of TOS, and through thorough examination for a complete relief from indicated operation.

METHODS

13 cases receiving surgical operations in PUMC hospital from 1982 to 1996 are reported and discussed the cause of misdiagnosis, investigate the various kinds of abnormalities and compare the result of operation.

RESULTS

92% of the patients had experence of being misdiagnosed for other diseases, the history may be as long as 10 years. In the operations we found 8 kinds of anatomic abnormalities that cause the symptoms and complete relief is satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

We have to emphasize the recognition of TOS. The thorough physical examination is important to diagnosis. Patients with typical and apparent symptoms need an operation to relieve the thoracic outlet through the transaxillary approach.