Contemporary management of axillosubclavian vein thrombosis

Axillosubclavian vein thrombosis, also referred to as effort thrombosis or Paget–Schroetter syndrome, is the most common presentation of the venous form of thoracic outlet syndrome. With timely diagnostic and therapeutic measures, thrombosis of the axillary or subclavian veins can be treated with minimal long-term morbidity. Case reports and single-center reviews have greatly contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and most effective treatment modalities for venous thoracic outlet syndrome. This article provides an evidence-based review of the contemporary management of venous thoracic outlet syndrome, emphasizing the role of diagnostic venography, catheter-directed thrombolysis and prompt thoracic outlet decompression. In addition, controversies in current therapy and perspectives on future research will be addressed.