The importance of the costoclavicular space in upper limb primary deep vein thrombosis, a study with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique enhanced by a blood pool agent

•Primary UEDVT is dependent on the anatomy.•In particular the distance between the clavicle and first rib•There is no correlation between grade of obstruction and post thrombotic syndrome.

BackgroundPrimary upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) can be divided into idiopathic and effort thrombosis. Anatomical factors probably play an important role in effort thrombosis, whereas the cause remains mostly unknown in idiopathic thrombosis.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to examine the anatomy of the subclavian region and evaluate how these factors contribute to primary UEDVT. The secondary objective was to investigate if venous compression correlates with post thrombotic syndrome (PTS).Patients and methodsFifteen patients and 15 controls were enrolled in the study. The subclavian region (the costoclavicular distance and vessel area) was examined by MRI enhanced by a blood-pool contrast agent (Vasovist). The MRI was performed in two arm positions: alongside and elevated. PTS and disability were quantified with the modified Villalta score and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) test.ResultsThe costoclavicular distance was significantly narrower in the UEDVT patients with the arms alongside the body but there was a significant difference only in the left arm with the arms elevated. Area of the subclavian vein: When comparing the patients non-thrombotic arm with the controls, there was a significant difference only when the arms in the supine position. Disability: There was a high correlation between DASH, Villalta and VAS but no correlation between the MRI measurement and patient's symptoms or the Villalta Score.ConclusionOur results suggest that primary UEDVT is dependent on the subclavian anatomy and area of vena subclavia.