[Thoracic outlet syndrome: clinical staging].
The clinical and instrumental manifestations of thoracic outlet syndrome are well known but the therapeutic choices frequently differ in relation to the physician's experience. Thus, there is no univocal opinion regarding the therapy of this complex syndrome. To solve this problem we have attempted to bring together the clinical and instrumental pictures in a single classification that includes the three fundamental aspects of the syndrome, namely nerve, artery and vein injury (NAV). Our goal was to achieve a universally accepted therapy-oriented staging system, as is the case with the TNM system for malignant tumours. From 1984 to 2002, in our institution 156 patients with thoracic outlet syndrome were evaluated. These were grouped in 4 stages depending on their NAV status. Subsequent therapy was in accordance with stage. Our results confirmed the accuracy of NAV. On the basis of our preliminary experience, the NAV staging system is useful for correct patient grouping. Now a prospective multicentre study is needed for universal scientific validation.
Busetto
Alessandro
A
U.O. di Chirurgia Toracica, Ospedale Civile Umberto I, Mestre, Venezia.
Fontana
Paolo
P
Zaccaria
Antonio
A
Cappelli
Roberto
R
Canton
Alen
A
Stevanato
Giorgio
G
Pagan
Vittore
V
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006801:Humans; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000145:classification*