A condition caused by repetitive arm motion
This condition, also known as Paget-Schroetter syndrome, develops when a rib or a nearby muscle presses on the axillary vein in the armpit or the subclavian vein in front of the shoulder. This rare condition is a type of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) caused by repetitive arm motion, particularly in athletes.
Repeated compression causes the vein to become inflamed and fibrous tissue to build up. This tissue causes the vein to narrow and restrict blood flow, leading to the formation of blood clots.
Left untreated, axillo-subclavian vein thrombosis can cause:
- Arm pain and fatigue
- Arm swelling
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The specialists in our Vascular and Endovascular Program are leaders in treating venous issues with minimally invasive techniques.
Symptoms
Symptoms can be vague until the vein is fairly blocked. At that time, you may experience:
- Bluish skin color
- Heaviness of the arm
- Muscle bulk that doesn’t match the other arm
- Swelling and pain in the arm
Risks
Who is at risk for axillo-subclavian vein thrombosis?
The condition can affect anyone, but you are at increased risk if you:
- Participate in sports that require repetitive arm and shoulder motions, such as baseball, softball, basketball, hockey, swimming, tennis, and weightlifting.
- Work in occupations that involve repetitive use of the arm, such as construction work, house painting, or window washing.
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Have a blood clotting disorder
- Have a central venous catheter in the subclavian vein, such as for chemotherapy or hemodialysis
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Have a pacemaker or defibrillator, because the wires pass through the area
Tests
Angiogram (Angiography)
An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.
Chest X-ray
Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.
In the early stages, medication may be successful to dissolve clots (thrombolysis). In some cases, surgery may be recommended to restore blood flow or to remove the rib or muscle causing the problem.
Thoracic Outlet Decompression
Learn how MedStar Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute uses thoracic outlet decompression to treat thoracic outlet syndrome.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Sonya Alekseyev, MSN NP
Vascular Surgery
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Moutasem Aljundi, MD
Vascular And Interventional Radiology & Interventional Radiology
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Danielle Bielecki, NP
Cardiac Surgery & Vascular Surgery
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John Thomas Cardella, MD
Interventional Radiology & Vascular And Interventional Radiology
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Kevin Y. Chen, MD
Medical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology & Hematology and Oncology
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Matthew Allen Edwardson, MD
Neurology & Vascular Neurology
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Yelena Game, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Rachel Katter, MSN NP
Hematology and Oncology
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Xi Lin, MHS PA
Hematology and Oncology
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Gayatri B. Nair, MD
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Danielle Salazar, MAAPN MD
Vascular Surgery
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Emily Anne Sunkin, MMS PA
Interventional Radiology
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Nora Elizabeth Tabori, MD
Interventional Radiology & Vascular And Interventional Radiology
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Prashanth Sadashiva Rao, MD
Cardiology
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Richard A. Silva, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Kapil Simlote, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Additional information
Cardiac rehabilitation
Recover faster and improve your quality of life after heart disease or treatment with help from our exercise physiologists, physical therapists, and dietitians.
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.