Background: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) represents a clinical condition caused by compression of the neurovascular structures that cross the thoracic outlet. TOS can be classified in: 1) neurogenic TOS (NTOS), 2) venous TOS (VTOS), 3) arterial TOS (ATOS). Many different causes can determine the syndrome: congenital malformations, traumas, and functional impairments.
Materials and methods: This manuscript reviews how the congenital malformations play an important role in adult age; however, TOS also affects patients of all ages.
Results: Radiological imaging like X-ray (radiography), magnetic resonance and computed tomography can provide useful information to assess TOS causes and decide a potential surgery. 79% of the patients included in the first two stages of nerve, artery, vein (NAV) staging experienced excellent results with kinesiotherapy; whereas patients included in the third and fourth stage of NAV staging were subject to surgery.
Conclusions: The treatment of acute forms of TOS involves thrombolysis and anticoagulant therapy; surgery is appropriate for true NTOS, vascular TOS and in some cases when conservative treatment fails.
Keywords: anterior and middle scalene muscle; brachial plexus; clinical grading; congenital malformation; costoclavicular triangle; first rib; interscalene triangle; neuromuscular bundle; subclavian artery; subclavian vein.