title: [Thoracic outlet syndrome].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is recognized as a cause of upper limb pain. It is often under-diagnosed and its frequency under-estimated by rheumatologists.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To report the diagnostic problems related to TOC though a literature review.
  
  
  METHODS
  A narrative review of literature
  
  
  RESULTS
  The diagnosis of TOS is difficult because of intricacy of vascular and neurological symptoms. It requires provocative tests, electrophysiological investigations and Doppler ultrasonography. A good anatomical knowledge is mandatory in order to clarify the mechanisms and the location of the lesions which depend on sophisticated imaging exams. It is also recommended to exclude all other causes of upper limb pain, as well as peripheral nerve compression syndromes, which can coexist with TOS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diagnosis and treatment of the TOS involves rheumatologists, neurologists, physiatrists, orthopedic surgeons,vascular surgeons, thoracic surgeons, neurosurgeons and sometimes psychiatrists who have to cooperate in order to prevent severe functional after-effects.
authors.affiliation: Hopital Charles Nicolle, Tunis, Tunisie.
authors.forename: Raoudha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tekaya
authors.forename: Olfa
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Neji
authors.forename: Madiha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mahfoudhi
authors.forename: Chiraz
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ben Hadj Yahia
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Abdelmoula
authors.forename: Lilia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chaabouni
authors.forename: Rafik
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zouari
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D003935:Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; D055724:Electrophysiological Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D012307:Risk Factors; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology