Botulinum toxin type A improves blood flow in vascular thoracic outlet syndrome

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Nov;87(11):956-9. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e31818a51c3.

Abstract

A 28-yr-old man, diagnosed with vascular thoracic outlet syndrome, had his right anterior scalene muscle injected with botulinum toxin type A under ultrasound guidance. Subclavian artery flow rates were measured with Doppler ultrasound before and 3 wks after the injection. At 3 wks, symptoms had improved. The reduction in subclavian artery flow rate associated with the arm abducted to the side with 90-degree external rotation decreased from 132.8 to 87.7 cm/sec preinjection compared with a smaller decrease postinjection from 132.8 to 119.1 cm/sec. An improved subclavian artery flow was seen after scalene muscle chemodenervation for vascular thoracic outlet syndrome. This suggests its potential as a diagnostic test, treatment option, and predictor for surgical intervention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Male
  • Neck Muscles / drug effects*
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Regional Blood Flow / drug effects
  • Subclavian Artery / physiopathology
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A