Cervical Rib Leading to Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Causing Gangrene and Necessitating Digital Amputation: A Case Report

Abstract

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a syndrome caused by compression of subclavian vessels with/without brachial plexus involvement as it travels through the thoracic outlet. Cervical ribs are congenital anomalies with an incidence of 0.05% to 3% . Usually, they aren’t relevant clinically but it may cause TOS due to compression of subclavian vessels and/or brachial plexus by the rib itself or a fibrous band that connects the cervical rib to the first rib. Arterial compression is rare. Here we report a rare case of Thoracic outlet syndrome because of cervical rib leading to gangrenous changes of digits in a 40-year female.