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.