A Brachiocephalic Vascular Syndrome Associated with Cervical Rib

Abstract

This is a report of a rare vascular syndrome occurring in young adults with cervical rib. Symptoms of vascular insufficiency occur for a varying period of time in the right arm and are then followed by cerebral embolus, usually in the carotid circulation, with consequent left hemiparesis. The resultant clinical condition is one of left hemiparesis or hemiplegia associated with a right arm showing a varying degree of vascular insufficiency. Early operation is indicated to remove the cervical rib and deal with the damaged subclavian artery to prevent further embolization. A plea is made for early surgical treatment of vascular complications of cervical rib to prevent the occurrence of cerebral embolism. © 1966, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.