Introduction

 Deep vein thrombosis is commonly associated with the veins of lower limb. Thrombosis involving deep veins of upper extremity namely the axillary-subclavian axis or Paget Schroetter syndrome is quite uncommon. As there are ill defined predisposing factors and variable symptoms, diagnosis of venous thrombosis affecting the upper limb, always poses a dilemma leading to delay in commencing treatment. A case of Paget Schroetter syndrome (PSS) is presented along with a review of literature.

Case Report

A 58 year old patient, a manual laborer by occupation was referred by his primary care physician with history of sudden onset of swelling of left arm and forearm accompanied by pain. Patient gave history of sudden onset of symptoms without any specific inciting cause. There was no history of fever. Patient was treated as a case of cellulitis by his primary care physician. The response to treatment was poor.

Physical examination revealed a grossly swollen and tender left upper extremity. (Figure 1) The swelling involved the left arm, forearm and hand. The movements of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints were restricted due to edema and were extremely painful. There were no areas of softening or fluctuation anywhere over the affected extremity. There were no distal focal neurological deficits in left upper extremity. Peripheral pulses could not be appreciated due to edema.

Figure 1

Extensive edema and redness of the left upper extremity.

A high index of suspicion for deep vein thrombosis was raised. A color Doppler was done which confirmed a non compressible echogenic thrombus involving the axillary vein and cephalic vein extending up to the venae comites of the brachial artery. (Figure 2) The arterial flow in the axillary artery was normal. (Figure 3) Anti-coagulant therapy was started immediately after confirmation of diagnosis. Heparin treatment was commenced and continued for period of 5 days during which there was significant regression of edema, redness, and pain. After 5 days of parenteral anticoagulant therapy patient was started on oral warfarin. There was complete regression of all symptoms within a span of two weeks. Anticoagulation therapy was continued for 6 months with no signs of recurrence.

Figure 2

Color Doppler showing thrombosis of the axillary vein and cephalic vein.

Figure 3

Doppler showing normal flow in the axillary artery.

Discussion

Deep vein thrombosis in the upper extremity is quite rare as compared to the lower extremity. The condition can either be primary or secondary. [1] Primary deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity is typically described as effort induced thrombosis. It is also called Paget Schroetter syndrome (PSS). Secondary causes are either following subclavian vein cannulation or due to malignancy. The traditional predisposing factors described for lower extremity venous thrombosis do not always hold true for the upper extremity. The typical post thrombotic syndrome is infrequently seen in the upper extremity. The morbidity associated with this condition is usually due to the associated co morbid conditions especially in the secondary type of disease.

 Peculiar anatomical configuration of the veins draining the upper extremity as they enter the thoracic outlet predisposes them to develop deep venous thrombosis especially in Pager- Schroetter syndrome. [2] The subclavian vein passes over the first rib lying in the space between the first rib and clavicle. Unaccustomed exercise of the upper extremity in an elevated position causes repeated intimal damage to the vein predisposing to thrombosis. The process of thrombosis can then extend to the axillary vein and even the cephalic vein as in the case presented. Therefore prior history of unaccustomed use of the upper limb is a significant factor which can help in diagnosing PSS clinically. Symptoms and signs caused by compression of arterial and neural structures in addition to venous thrombosis may also be seen in a few cases typical of a thoracic outlet syndrome. [3]

Clinical features of PSS are typical with sudden onset of edema of the upper extremity accompanied by pain and congestion of the limb. Movements of the limb may be restricted due to edema and pain. Patient may also exhibit neurological symptoms and signs. Arterial compression is rare. In such a situation awareness of this condition should raise a strong index of suspicion for this condition. In majority of cases PSS is misdiagnosed and even treated as cellulitis by the primary care physician as was seen in the case presented. [4] This invariably leads to delay in the definitive diagnosis thereby increasing the morbidity associated with this condition.

Doppler ultrasonography is the investigation of choice for confirming the diagnosis of PSS. [5,6,7] As in the case presented doppler revealed thrombosis of the axillary vein and cephalic vein extending up to the venae comites of the brachial artery (Figure 4). The arterial circulation was normal.

Figure 4

Doppler showing the lower extent of the thrombus in the venae comites of the brachial artery.

Treatment of PSS continues to be a debatable topic. In any venous thrombosis commencement of anti-coagulation treatment continues to be the mainstay of treatment. [1] The aim of anti-coagulation treatment is to prevent further propagation of the clot, thereby allowing collateral circulation to develop. A course of parentral anticoagulants followed by oral anti coagulation is the standard form of treatment. [1, 8, 9]

Catheter directed thrombolysis of the clot has also been described as an efficacious modality of treatment in an acute setting. [10] However this requires an interventional radiology or an interventional cardiology facility to facilitate this treatment. Acute thrombolytic therapy has its own set of complications including rare complications such as renal failure which have been described in literature. Anecdotal case reports have described this as a successful modality of treatment. Since the number of cases are significantly less and in the absence of randomized prospective trials it is difficult to establish the superiority of any particular modality of treatment in order to authentically advocate it.

In a patient of PSS along with neurological symptoms, surgical intervention by way of transaxillary resection of first rib have been described.[11,12] It has been observed that in a patient treated conservatively, only temporary relief is obtained. Due to the persistent compressing effect on venous structures, recurrent episodes of thrombosis of veins may occur. This can only be treated permanently by resection of first rib.

The best therapeutic option for this condition is therefore a matter of debate with each institution having its own  treatment protocol based on the availability of interventional facilities.[13,14] Early diagnosis followed by anti coagulation treatment in a case devoid of neurological symptom still continues to be a good option. However if neurological symptoms accompany vascular symptoms, then a more radical approach may have to be adapted to achieve a permanent cure to this condition. [15]

Conclusion

Paget Schroetter syndrome is a rare condition affecting the veins of upper extremities. Awareness of this condition is important for primary care physicians. A high index of clinical suspicion confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography is pivotal in diagnosis of this condition. Optimum choice of conservative treatment followed if necessary by surgical intervention can only provide a long lasting cure.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr.Shirish Patil, Dean of Dr.D.Y.Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai, India for allowing us to publish this case report.

We would like to thank Mr. Parth K. Vagholkar for his help in typesetting the manuscripts.