Subclavian steal syndrome

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Subclavian steal syndrome
File:The promixal part of left subclavian is blocked on left side so no flow in vertebral and to left arm-blood from right vertebral enters left vertebral and flows back to supply left arm 2013-07-05 17-11.jpg
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]

File:Gray 5131.png
Anatomical diagram showing the subclavian artery, relevant in Subclavian Steal Syndrome.

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]