Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Rare, Often Missed or Over-Diagnosed?

Abstract

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Rare, Often Missed or Over-Diagnosed? Abstract. The thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) presents with various symptoms caused by compression of the neurovascular bundle in the region of the upper thoracic aperture. Since the pathogenesis also determines the therapy of TOS, the classification according to the affected structure into neurogenic, venous and arterial TOS (nTOS, vTOS and aTOS) is useful. However, mixed forms are often to be assumed, which are then usually also classified under the term 'non-specific or disputed TOS' in the group of nTOS. In the absence of a gold standard diagnostic test, accurate history taking and clinical examination continue to be of great importance. Diagnostic experience and therapeutic advances have led to hopeful possibilities in the challenging management of this condition.