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

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.

• Authors: Kirk Danielson, Ib R Odderson
• Journal: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation (Am J Phys Med Rehabil) Vol. 87 Issue 11 Pg. 956-9 (Nov 2008) ISSN: 1537-7385 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18936559 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Neuromuscular Agents
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Topics

• 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)