Brachial plexus lipomata presenting with neurogenic and venous thoracic outlet syndrome: case reports and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Compression of the brachial plexus causing neurogenic symptoms is involved in most cases referred to vascular surgeons for consideration of treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The causative factor of the compression can be difficult to diagnose with multiple pathologies implicated.

Methods: We present 2 rare cases of supraclavicular lipomata causing compression of the neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet. The only 6 other cases of brachial plexus lipomata were described to our knowledge in the literature worldwide.

Results: We highlight that there are a small number of neurogenic TOS cases where the causative pathology can be successfully managed by surgery with expectation of a good recovery.

Conclusions: Surgeons operating on these lesions can expect good symptom resolution for their patients.