RareWays is a research directory. It helps you understand the science. It is not medical advice. Always discuss your care options with your healthcare team.
Coverage: 2020-01-01 onwards, with up to 300 results per query from PubMed and Europe PMC and separate limits on other sources. This is a selected index, not a complete literature search.
Updates are delayed or unverified. Check original sources for the latest information.
Your saved research and appointment questionsView recorded trial and retraction changes
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Research Summary
Printed from RareWays (rareways.org)
For general awareness only. Not medical advice. Discuss all care options with your healthcare team.
5 Most Recent Research Articles
- 1.
Long Term Results of Surgical Treatment of Chronic Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Single Centre Experience.
Teijink Stijn B J et al., European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (16 October 2026)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42887642/
- 2.
Post thrombotic syndrome after thrombotic venous thoracic outlet syndrome.
Benhalima Samy et al., Journal of vascular surgery. Venous and lymphatic disorders (9 October 2026)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42855073/
- 3.
Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Mimicking Cervical Radiculopathy
Sadiq Rahman et al. (7 October 2026)
https://doi.org/10.13140/rg.2.2.34625.93284
- 4.
Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: a review of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies
Guang-Yao Li et al., Frontiers in Neurology (6 October 2026)
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2026.1932666
- 5.
Clinical and anatomical correlates of significant subclavian artery stenosis in thoracic outlet syndrome: Insights from dynamic CT angiography.
Noureddine Raja et al., European journal of radiology (5 October 2026)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42837772/
Source: RareWays research directory. Data from PubMed, Europe PMC, OpenAlex, ClinicalTrials.gov.
Always verify information with your healthcare team before making any decisions about your care.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of conditions in which nerves or blood vessels are squeezed in the narrow space between the collarbone and the first rib. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm and hand, and sometimes swelling or colour change in the arm. Treatment may include physiotherapy, medicines and, for some people, surgery to relieve the pressure.
This overview is general information, not an individual medical assessment. Research is selected automatically and may include mismatches. How we select and explain research.
Most Recent Research
OBJECTIVE: This retrospective cohort study with cross-sectional analysis aimed to evaluate the surgical and long term functional outcomes of a structured treatment algorithm for patients with chronic venous thoracic outlet syndrome (cVTOS). METHODS: Patients with cVTOS and treated at this tertiary centre between 2016 and 2024 were included. Treatment consisted of transaxillary thoracic outlet decompression (TOD), venolysis, and subclavian vein (SCV) recanalisation. In case of persistent venous obstruction during the primary procedure, anticipated repeat percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was planned. Anticoagulation (rivaroxaban) was prescribed until 48 hours before surgery, resumed the day after surgery for six weeks, or until 48 hours before re-PTA. The primary endpoint included SCV patency and secondary outcomes included functional outcomes (DASH and Derkash scores). RESULTS: Seventy patients were included (mean age 35 years; 56% women). Median time to presentation was 40 (20.0 - 104.0) months after initial upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). Eleven patients (16%) had an operative complication (haematoma n = 6, pneumothorax n = 1, UEDVT n = 1, transient Horner syndrome n = 1, phrenic nerve injury n = 1, and SCV rupture n = 1). Median length of hospital stay was 1.0 day. Venography post-TOD/PTA showed persistent venous obstruction in 15 patients (21%) for which re-PTA was planned. Over time, 20 patients (29%) developed re-stenosis. A total of 35 (50%) re-PTAs were performed. Primary patency was 56%, primary assisted patency was 86%, and secondary patency was 93% at last follow up (12 months). Median post-operative DASH score decreased significantly (pre-op: 32.9 (15.8 - 48.3) vs. post-op 8.0 (2.3 - 27.8); p < .001) with a mean follow up of 45.7 ± 27.5 months. Zero patients reported a poor Derkash score. CONCLUSION: Chronic VTOS can be effectively treated with good long term functional outcomes. Re-PTAs were necessary in half of the cases (anticipated). This treatment algorithm diminished the need of secondary interventions in 50% of the cases, as well as the need for long term anticoagulation usage.
Common Questions
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of conditions in which nerves or blood vessels are squeezed in the narrow space between the collarbone and the first rib. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm and hand, and sometimes swelling or colour change in the arm. Treatment may include physiotherapy, medicines and, for some people, surgery to relieve the pressure.
How many clinical trials are available for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
RareWays currently indexes 17 clinical trials for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, of which 2 are actively recruiting. These counts cover indexed trials across countries, not just your country. An Australian site does not necessarily mean that site is recruiting. Check locations, eligibility and current availability with the study team.
Where does the research data for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome come from?
RareWays aggregates research from PubMed, Europe PMC, OpenAlex, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Data is refreshed automatically every day. All articles and trials link directly to their original sources.
Get research updates
Monthly email when new findings are published for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Your email and selected disease are stored for these updates. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy and deletion.
This information is for general awareness only.
For guidance specific to your situation, please speak with your healthcare team.