Atraumatic subclavian vein thrombosis in a collegiate baseball player: a case report.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the case of a collegiate baseball player who suffered an atraumatic subclavian vein thrombosis. This case presents an opportunity to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of a 22-year-old male with a thrombosis of his right subclavian vein.

BACKGROUND

Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis is an uncommon vascular problem, occurring primarily in young, healthy, active people. Although the history and symptoms are often unremarkable, the condition can lead to complications if not correctly recognized and appropriately treated. In this case, the athlete reported tightness in his right biceps muscle and upper back after sleeping on his shoulder. The patient denied substance abuse or illegal anabolic steroid use, and these possibilities were ruled out as factors in the diagnosis and treatment.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Shoulder tendinitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, primary upper extremity thrombosis of the right subclavian vein.

TREATMENT

After diagnosis, the patient was placed on blood thinners to dissolve the clot and referred to a vascular surgeon. The patient underwent a balloon angioplasty and later had the first rib removed. A second clot formed, and a stent was placed in the vein after the clot was removed by medication and another angioplasty procedure. He developed a pulmonary embolism during the stent procedure and was sent postoperatively to the intensive care unit, where he underwent therapeutic anticoagulation. After 10 weeks of therapy, the patient stopped all anticoagulant medication and returned to school to play baseball.

UNIQUENESS

We present the atraumatic pathogenesis of a subclavian venous thrombosis in a young, active, and otherwise healthy college athlete with unremarkable predisposing factors. Within 24 hours after rib resection, the subclavian vein rethrombosed. The patient was thought to have experienced a small pulmonary embolus.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals who participate in athletics can develop atraumatic upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. Therefore, it is important that team physicians and certified athletic trainers be prepared to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition to institute prompt, appropriate treatment.