What tests are used to diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome?

To confirm the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:

X-ray.
Ultrasound.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Angiography.
Arteriography and venography.
Electromyography (EMG).
Nerve conduction study.

What are two special tests that can help diagnose the presence of TOS?

Other special tests should be performed to rule out other pathologies of the neck, shoulder or upper extremity. Diagnostic testing for TOS may also include thermography,8 magnetic resonance imaging of the brachial plexus,5 nerve conduction velocity testing, doppler studies, venography, arteriography and radiographs.

How do you test for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome?

Neurogenic TOS is diagnosed by using provocative maneuvers to elicit (or provoke) symptoms. These maneuvers put the neck and arms in certain positions which put stress on the nerves to the arm to bring on the symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling in the hand, arm, and neck.

What is the Adson test?

Adson’s test is a provocative test for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome accompanied by compression of the Subclavian artery by a cervical rib or tightened anterior and middle scalene muscles.

How is Vascular TOS diagnosed?

Diagnosis. Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome is diagnosed by physical examination, with supplemental imaging studies obtained at times, to confirm the diagnosis. The imaging studies may be a CT angiogram, MR angiogram or conventional angiography.

What does a positive Roos test mean?

A positive test is reported if the patient is unable to keep their arms in the starting position for 3 minutes or if ischemic pain, heaviness, or weakness is present in the arm or if the patient reports numbness or tingling in the hand during the test.

What causes the manifestation seen with thoracic outlet syndrome?

Common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome include physical trauma from a car accident, repetitive injuries from job- or sports-related activities, certain anatomical defects (such as having an extra rib), and pregnancy.

What is Soto Hall test?

A physical exam test in which the chin is brought to the chest, with the patient flat on their back. Pain will be felt at the site of the lesion in spine abnormalities. Classically used to screen for spinal meningitis and to clarify spinal related pain.

Which fingers are affected by thoracic outlet syndrome?

What are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome? When the brachial plexus nerves are compressed, you may experience numbness and tingling on the inner arm, pinky finger, or pinky side of your ring finger. If left untreated, the compression can create weakness or paralysis of the muscles moving the thumb and fingers.

What aggravates thoracic outlet syndrome?

How do you test for thoracic outlet syndrome?

There is a special test to diagnose Thoracic outlet syndrome on physical exam called the Adson test. This is performed by feeling the radial pulse of the patient with their arm at their side. The arm is then abducted and externally rotated.

What treatments are available for thoracic outlet syndrome?

Treatment may include: Physical therapy . If you have neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, physical therapy is the first line of treatment. You’ll learn how to do exercises that strengthen and stretch your shoulder muscles to open the thoracic outlet, improve your range of motion and improve your posture.

What is the prognosis for thoracic outlet syndrome?

About prognosis: The ‘prognosis’ of Thoracic outlet syndrome usually refers to the likely outcome of Thoracic outlet syndrome. The prognosis of Thoracic outlet syndrome may include the duration of Thoracic outlet syndrome, chances of complications of Thoracic outlet syndrome, probable outcomes, prospects for recovery,…

Is there a cure for thoracic outlet syndrome?

Thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by other conditions, such as congenital defects, injuries, and disorders of the spine. Therefore, there is no real cure for this disorder, as it is a symptom of other disorders. Depending on the underlying cause, however, you can help prevent thoracic outlet syndrome if you are predisposed to this disorder.