Thromboembolic stroke associated with thoracic outlet syndrome.

[thoracic outlet syndrome]

Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs due to compression of the neurovascular structures as they exit the thorax . Subclavian arterial compression is usually due to a cervical rib , and is rarely associated with thromboembolic stroke . The mechanism of cerebral embolisation associated with the thoracic outlet syndrome is poorly understood , but may be due to retrograde propagation of thrombus or transient retrograde flow within the subclavian artery exacerbated by arm abduction . We report an illustrative patient and review the clinical features , imaging findings and management of stroke associated with thoracic outlet syndrome .