Paget-Schroetter Syndrome: A Case Report of effort induced upper extremity venous thrombosis

Abstract

Effort induced thrombosis of the axillary-subclavian vein, also referred as Paget-Schroetter syndrome, is a relatively uncommon type of deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity. Although rare, understanding its clinical presentation and etiology is essential for timely diagnosis and formatting correct treatment protocols. Most upper extremity deep vein thrombosis are secondary to either underlying pathology including cancer, chronic indwelling catheters, and hypercoaguable states making their clinical diagnosis relatively straight forward. On the contrary, effort induced deep vein thrombosis most commonly occur in young otherwise healthy people. Early detection and treatment of this type of thrombosis are essential in preventing late-term complications including post-thrombotic syndrome, and pulmonary embolus. There is no current consensus in treatment of effort induced upper extremity thrombosis with literature supporting conservative versus surgical treatment depending on patient presentation and physician preference.