Subclavian steal syndrome

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| Subclavian steal syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Subclavian steal phenomenon |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Dizziness, syncope, arm pain, neurological deficits |
| Complications | Stroke, transient ischemic attack |
| Onset | Usually adulthood |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Atherosclerosis, arteritis, congenital |
| Risks | Smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia |
| Diagnosis | Doppler ultrasound, angiography, magnetic resonance imaging |
| Differential diagnosis | Cervical spondylosis, multiple sclerosis, peripheral artery disease |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Lifestyle modification, angioplasty, surgical bypass |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Subclavian Steal Syndrome[edit]

Subclavian Steal Syndrome is an uncommon neurovascular condition characterized by a reversal of blood flow in the vertebral artery or the subclavian artery, often observed with exertion of the upper extremity. This syndrome arises due to a stenosis or occlusion of the subclavian artery proximal to the origin of the vertebral artery.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The condition occurs when there is a significant stenosis or blockage in the subclavian artery. This results in a "steal" of blood from the vertebral artery to compensate for the reduced blood flow to the arm, leading to various neurological symptoms.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of Subclavian Steal Syndrome may include:
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Syncope (fainting)
- Arm claudication (pain with exercise)
- Differences in blood pressure between arms
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Clinical examination noting blood pressure differences
- Doppler ultrasound of the subclavian and vertebral arteries
- Angiography or Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and may include:
- Medical management with antiplatelet or antihypertensive medications
- Surgical intervention like bypass grafting or angioplasty
External Links[edit]
- Mayo Clinic: Subclavian Steal Syndrome
- Society for Vascular Surgery: Subclavian Steal Syndrome
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