Clinical Trial: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Case Reports and Analysis With Ultrasound Imaging

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Case Reports and Analysis - Ultrasound Imaging and Pathomechanics of Brachial Plexus Compression

Brief Summary: Thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by compression of the brachial plexus, in most cases under the pectoralis minor muscle in the infraclavicular region of the shoulder. The hypothesis is that ultrasound imaging can be used to visualize brachial plexus compression and distortion of the pectoralis muscle during arm activity, such as abduction, and that normal subjects will not demonstrate any plexus compression or muscle distortion.

Detailed Summary: Four patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) underwent clinical exam and nerve testing to prove that they had TOS and no other nerve abnormality. They subsequently had ultrasound imaging of the shoulder (infraclavicular region) at rest and during arm abduction stress testing. Two control subjects had similar clinical exams and nerve testing to prove they did not have TOS, and then underwent similar ultrasound stress testing. The TOS patients demonstrated brachial plexus compression and pectoralis minor muscle distortion during the stress tests, and the normal subjects showed no plexus compression or muscle distortion.
Sponsor: EMG Labs of Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates

Current Primary Outcome: Brachial plexus compression on ultrasound imaging in thoracic outlet syndrome patients [ Time Frame: 4 months ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: No brachial plexus compression in normal subjects [ Time Frame: 4 months ]

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: EMG Labs of Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates

Dates:
Date Received: September 5, 2010
Date Started: June 2010
Date Completion:
Last Updated: September 8, 2010
Last Verified: September 2010