Effort thrombosis of the subclavian-axillary vein

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to outline the clinical patterns, diagnosis and the outcome of patients with 'effort' subclavian-axillary vein thrombosis. METHODS: The medical records of 7 patients diagnosed with 'effort' subclavian-axillary vein thrombosis between 1992 and 2000 at the Princess Basma Teaching Hospital, Irbid, Jordan were reviewed. Patients with secondary subclavian-axillary vein thrombosis (catheter related or secondary to thoracic outlet compression) were excluded. RESULTS: The clinical presentations of this condition were swelling, pain, and cyanosis of the upper limbs. The presence of dilated superficial vein is a late sign. All patients were treated by non-fractionated heparin continued with warfarin with a favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Effort thrombosis of subclavian-axillary vein (Paget-Von Schroetter syndrome) is less reported in the literature contrary to secondary subclavian-axillary vein thrombosis. Early and effective anticoagulation constitutes the base of curative treatment. Prevention of recurrence is mandatory.