An unusual case of venous thoracic outlet syndrome in relation to the anatomical position of the subclavian vein valves in a young athlete

Abstract

Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (vTOS) consists of upper extremities oedema, sometimes with varicose dilation of the superficial veins of the arm in consequence of compression and/or thrombosis of the subclavian vein. More specific factors, such as muscle hypertrophy, have additionally been registered in athletes. The case focuses on a 20-year-old male student in medicine, with an intense training activity in body building. The subject has presented symptoms of upper limbs oedema he has also reported heaviness and paresthesia in the left arm and hand. Varicose dilation of a superficial vein close to the axillary fossa was visible at naked eye. Both Doppler ultrasound evaluation and Angio TC were negative for venous thrombosis and/or complete obstruction from external compression. These reports depict an uncommon clinical scenario, which correlate an intense upper body training activity with the presence of a second valve distally of the first valve into the subclavian vein.