Paget-Schroetter syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To review current approaches to investigation and management of Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS).

Methods: Relevant clinical studies and reports were searched for using MEDLINE and Embase databases and cross-referenced articles. Articles were extracted using keywords by the two authors independently.

Principal findings: There is growing evidence of functional or positional anatomical defects, which lead to subtle intimal injury and a tendency for recurrence or poor outcome. Management of PSS remains controversial. Anticoagulation as a stand-alone treatment has lost favour. Active treatment with thrombolysis followed by consideration of thoracic decompression is recommended by most in the recent literature. Thrombolytic therapy appears to be a safe and efficacious method of establishing immediate patency of the axillary/subclavian vein. The timing and indications of decompression surgery are yet to be defined clearly. There are no randomized trials of treatment or management strategies in PSS.

Conclusions: Treatment of PSS remains contentious. Most authors recommend active treatment with thrombolysis followed by thoracic decompression. Multicentre randomized trials are needed.