True neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome in a competitive swimmer: a case report of this rare association.
True neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an uncommon disorder despite of be a frequent reason for referral to the EMG laboratories. We describe the second case in the literature of true TOS in a competitive swimmer with progressive weakness and severe atrophy of the left thenar eminence. EMG showed lower trunk plexopathy. X-ray and MRI of the cervical spine and brachial plexus were normal. Surgical exploration evidenced the lower trunk retracted and pulled by a fibrous band. It was excised and neurolysis of the plexus was done with gradual improvement of function. We discuss the possible pathophysiology of this association.
Almeida
Diogo Fraxino de
DF
Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA.
Meyer
Richard D
RD
Oh
Shin J
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D004576:Electromyography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013550:Swimming; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery