A case report on 2 unique presentations of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis

RATIONALE: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare cause of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). The treatment usually involves catheter directed thrombolysis followed by systemic anticoagulation. Surgical decompression is frequently recommended after anticoagulation for definitive therapy. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report two cases of UEDVT secondary to venous TOS with important clinical presentations. DIAGNOSES: Venous TOS. INTERVENTIONS: One patient was initially treated conservatively but had a recurrent UEDVT. The second patient had a residual stump from a prior rib resection that was causing compression on the subclavian vein, resulting in recurrent venous symptoms. OUTCOMES: Both patients achieved significant improvement in their symptoms at 1 year follow-up. LESSONS: UEDVTs can be debilitating, and may limit activities of daily living. Surgical decompression may offer significant improvement in quality of life and symptom relief in such patients.