Thoracic outlet syndrome in dialysis patients: A case series and review

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare condition that results from compression of the neurovascular structures as they pass through the thoracic outlet. In this case series, we report on three patients who developed TOS following the creation of an upper extremity arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Patients were successfully treated with first rib resection and pec minor release with venoplasty and neurolysis as indicated. Surgical intervention improved symptoms and preserved dialysis access function in all patients. Thus, with the right constellation of symptoms, clinicians should consider TOS as a differential in patients following AVF creation.