Aortosternal venous compression: the thoracic inlet syndrome — a scoping review of the literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48750/acv.670Keywords:
Aortosternal venous compression, central vein thrombosis, thoracic entrapmentAbstract
Aortosternal venous compression (AVC) is a rare cause of central venous outflow obstruction, resulting from extrinsic compression of the left brachiocephalic vein between the sternum and adjacent arteries. Often asymptomatic, AVC can occasionally lead to symptoms or thrombosis. This scoping review, based on a PubMed search using the term "aortosternal venous compression," outlines the anatomy, imaging features, and management options. Diagnosis relies on dynamic imaging, particularly contrast-enhanced CT and venography. Management is primarily conservative. AVC is conceptually similar to May–Thurner syndrome and should be considered in unexplained central or upper limb venous thrombosis.
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References
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