Axillary vein compression by Langer's axillary arch, an aberrant muscle bundle of the latissimus dorsi.
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.
Hafner
Franz
F
Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz 8036, Austria. franz.hafner@meduni-graz.at
Seinost
Gerald
G
Gary
Thomas
T
Tomka
Maurice
M
Szolar
Dieter
D
Brodmann
Marianne
M
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