Paget-Schroetter syndrome

Gursel L Oktar, Emin G Ergul
Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

Paget-Schroetter syndrome, or 'effort' thrombosis of the axillary-subclavian vein, is an uncommon deep vein thrombosis usually caused by excessive upper limb activity. It may cause post-thrombotic syndrome, leading to significant disability if not treated appropriately. The optimal management for this syndrome is still controversial because the outcomes of different treatment strategies are based on case studies and series in small numbers. We report a case of Paget-Schroetter syndrome in a young male weight-lifter and discuss treatment strategies suggested by the current literature.

Hong Kong Med J 2007;13:243-5

Key words: Axillary vein; Subclavian vein; Treatment outcome; Venous thrombosis; Weight lifting/injuries