title: Axillary vein compression by Langer's axillary arch, an aberrant muscle bundle of the latissimus dorsi.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Axillary vein compression is an important differential diagnosis in swelling of the upper extremities besides deep venous thrombosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a rare case of axillary vein compression in a 17-year-old female with intermittent swelling and pain of the left arm due to an aberrant muscle bundle of the left latissimus dorsi. After resection of this bundle, which corresponded to Langer's axillary arch, the swelling and pain on the left arm resolved completely.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In symptomatic patients with axillary vein compression due to Langer's axillary arch, a resection of the muscle bundle is an effective way of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz 8036, Austria. franz.hafner@meduni-graz.at
authors.forename: Franz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hafner
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Seinost
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gary
authors.forename: Maurice
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tomka
authors.forename: Dieter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Szolar
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brodmann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001132:Arm; D001365:Axilla / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D001367:Axillary Vein / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000473:pathology