Surgical treatment of cervical rib-associated arterial thoracic outlet syndrome

The arterial form of thoracic outlet syndrome is rare and is associated with anatomic anomalies, generally a cervical rib. It has a varied range of manifestations. The aim of this article is to describe two cases with different clinical presentations: microembolization and aneurysm. A cervical rib was present in both cases. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history, physical examination, postural maneuvers, and X-rays. Computed tomography angiography provided the anatomic detail necessary to plan surgery. Surgical treatment was performed via supraclavicular access, successfully, in both cases.