[Nerve compression syndrome in the thoracic outlet].
BACKGROUND
The nerve conduction studies, F-waves and dermatosomal and lor somatosensory evoked potential have a low level of sensitivity for Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome (TOCS) diagnosis. A standard negative electrodiagnostic study does not exclude the presence of TOCS.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this neurophysiological note is that the Wright's hyperabduction, costoclavicular compression and Adson's scalenus tests important in making a clinical diagnosis of TOCS can be used as neurophysiological provocative maneuvers to determine the effect of braquial position on electrodiagnostic parameters.


METHODS
Nine selected TOCS patients were evaluated previous and following provocative maneuvers for 3 and 6 minutes.


RESULTS
The results showed a positive electrodiagnostic study in 7/9 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
It is suggested that patients with presumptive TOCS and negative electrodiagnostic findings be reevaluated immediately after 6 minutes of Wright's, Adson's or costoclavicular compression provocative tests.
Fernández-González
F
F
Servicio de Neurofisiología Clínica, Hospital Central de Asturias, España.
Suárez-Fernández
T
T
D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000503:physiopathology; D004576:Electromyography / Q000295:instrumentation; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; D006801:Humans; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology
Síndrome de la compresión neurógena en la salida torácica.