Clinic furniture arrangements leading to patient self-reported blood pressure discrepancy: a rare case of total occlusion of left subclavian artery

Abstract

Subclavian artery occlusion is an uncommon condition affecting approximately 2% of the general population. Only 8.7% of patients with total occlusion of subclavian artery are asymptomatic. It has the potential to cause significant morbidity as it could contribute to the ischemic complications affecting the upper extremities, brain, and heart. We present a case of asymptomatic total occlusion of left subclavian artery which was found following investigations for discrepancy in blood pressure readings from the patient’s right and left arm. The difference was noted due to the clinic’s furniture arrangement. The patient was treated with stent insertion via percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. After three years of follow ups, she remains asymptomatic and free of cardiovascular-related complications.