Thoracic Outlet Arterial Compression: Prevalence in Normal Persons

Abstract

The prevalence of thoracic outlet compression of the subclavian or axillary artery was determined in both upper extremities of 130 normal individuals. Photoplethysmographic (PPG) recordings were made simultaneously in each index finger during performance of Adson, Costoclavicular, and hyperabduction maneuvers. Significant arterial obstruction resulted from one or more of these maneuvers in 78 subjects (60%) and was bilateral in 43 individuals (33%). Thoracic outlet arterial compression is common in normal persons and thus has little diagnostic value in symptomatic patients.