Paget-Schroetter syndrome: An unfamiliar cause of upper-limb deep venous thrombosis

Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS), which is also called 'effort thrombosis,' is a venous variant of thoracic outlet syndrome. We report a rare case of upper-limb deep venous thrombosis (ULDVT) in a young patient who was later diagnosed as PSS. PSS is a rare cause of ULDVT, and it is usually seen in young adults who are involved in strenuous physical activity. PSS is either due to anatomical abnormality of the thoracic outlet or due to repeated microtrauma to the endothelium of the subclavian/axillary vein. Clinically, the patient usually presents with signs and symptoms of ULDVT. Noninvasive Doppler ultrasonography is the initial investigation of choice, but computerized tomography and digital subtraction angiography are the gold standards for diagnosis. Treatment consists of therapeutic anticoagulation, catheter-directed thrombolysis, first rib resection, and postoperative oral anticoagulation. Although the PSS less likely causes pulmonary embolism, it can contribute to postthrombotic syndrome. PSS is a rare and distinct clinical entity, and most emergency care or primary care physicians are unaware of this condition. PSS requires rapid diagnosis, timely thrombolysis, and prompt referral to a vascular and thoracic surgeon.