[Arterial compression syndrome. First the fingers tingle, then thrombosis of the brachial artery].
The thoracic outlet syndrome and the entrapment syndrome involving the popliteal artery are two major examples of arterial compression syndrome. Since not only the arteries, but also the entire neurovascular bundle is compressed, the initial symptoms are often neurological: paresthesias, tingling, numbness, etc., in particular when certain movements are carried out. In such a case, bilateral blood pressure measurements, provocative tests and Doppler (duplex) examination are indicated. A point that is, perhaps, less well-known is the fact that compression can lead to serious vascular lesions ranging from post-stenotic aneurysms to complete thrombotic occlusion and peripheral emboli. When the diagnosis has been confirmed, early surgery is indicated.
Welter
H F
HF
Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeralund Gefässchirurgie, Carl-von-Basedow-Klinikum, Merseburg.
Kettmann
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R
D001916:Brachial Artery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005385:Fingers / Q000294:innervation*; D006801:Humans; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology*