Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

How is the disease diagnosed?

Thoracic outlet syndrome can sometimes be diagnosed by a history and physical exam. In many cases, however, the symptoms are vague and difficult to track down. A chest x-ray may show an extra rib. A nerve conduction velocity test can measure abnormal nerve transmission in the arm. Doppler studies may also be done to check the blood flow through the outlet. Other special tests may be done to check whether the blood vessels beside the nerve are being pinched. Many times all of these tests are negative. In these cases, the history and physical exam is used to make the diagnosis.

Other tests may be ordered to rule out problems such as neck injuries. This may include x-rays or an MRI scan of the neck.