ISSN: 2960-1959
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Differential Diagnosis of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Review

Fahmi H. Kakamad
College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Saywan K. Asaad
College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Abdullah K. Ghafour
Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Nsren S. Sabr
Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Hiwa S. Namiq
College of Pharmacy, Department of Basic science, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Lawen J. Mustafa
Rheumatology Department, Ministry of Health, Shorsh Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Azad S. Hattam
Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Soran H. Tahir
College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Ahmed H. Ahmed
Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Omed M. Hussein
Rheumatology Department, Ministry of Health, Shorsh Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Sakar O. Arif
Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Hawkar A. Nasralla
Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Marwan N. Hassan
Kscien Organization for Scientific Research (Middle East office), Hamdi Str, Azadi Mall, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Sarhang S. Abdalla
Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Bander A. Abdalla
Kscien Organization for Scientific Research (Middle East office), Hamdi Str, Azadi Mall, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Berun A. Abdalla
Department of Biology, College of Education, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Abstract
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Submitted: January 10, 2025
Published: March 2, 2025
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Abstract

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex and often overlooked condition caused by the compression of neurovascular structures as they pass through the thoracic outlet. This compression can result in pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and vascular complications, with severe cases leading to thrombosis or embolism.

TOS is classified into three types based on the affected structure: neurogenic, venous, and arterial. Neurogenic TOS is the most prevalent, accounting for over 90% of cases, and is more commonly seen in females. Venous TOS represents 3–5% of cases, while arterial TOS is the rarest, comprising only 1%. Diagnosing TOS is challenging due to its symptom overlap with various musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, often leading to misdiagnosis. The absence of universally accepted diagnostic criteria further complicates identification, relying primarily on clinical evaluations and inconsistent diagnostic methods.

Neurogenic TOS, in particular, is difficult to distinguish from other conditions with similar presentations. This study provides a comprehensive review of the differential diagnosis of neurogenic TOS, comparing it with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders that share overlapping clinical features.

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