Abstract

Compression of the brachial plexus causing neurogenic symptoms is a common presentation in the majority of cases referred to vascular surgeons with thoracic outlet syndrome. The causative factor of the compression can be difficult to diagnose with multiple pathologies implicated. Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumours with progressive expansion in volume. Along with frequently aesthetic consequences, lipomas can also apply extrinsic pressure on surrounding tissues and structures especially in constrained space and outlets in body. Lipomas causing brachial plexus compression are rare; fourteen cases have been described in the literature worldwide. We present two cases of supraclavicular lipomata causing compression of the neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet. We highlight that there are a small number of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (N-TOS) cases where the pathology is managed wholly by surgery and good recovery can be expected.

Keywords: Thoracic outlet syndrome; Neurogenic; Venous; Lipoma; Brachial plexus