Neurovascular Compression by a Subpectoral Lipoma A Case Report of a Rare Cause of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumours, progressively expanding in volume. Beside frequent aesthetic consequences, lipomas can also exert pressure on surrounding tissues and structures. Materials and Methods: A case of a subpectoral infraclavicular lipoma compressing the axillo-subclavicular neurovas-cular bundle, produced unilateral brachialgia, thereby simulating a Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The expansive, but non-infiltrative, nature of the lipoma allowed local excision in the vicinity of the brachial plexus and infraclavicular vascular structures.

Results: Surgical removal of the lipoma resulted in complete remission of symptoms in the left arm and hand. Conclusions: In the presence of unilateral brachialgia, a subpectoral tumour causing a Thoracic Outlet Syndrome should always be excluded in the absence of other relevant pathology.

Key Words:

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (C10.668.829.550.850)
• Lipoma (C04.557.450.550.400).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

G. Sergeant

G. Sergeant Department of Vascular and Thorax Surgery, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk. Halewijnlaan 14, B-3060 Bertem, Belgium Tel.: + 32 16 48 82 09 Fax: + 32 16 48 13 77 E-mail: [email protected]