Abstract
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can be difficult to diagnose clinically. Recently,
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) has been used to assist in the diagnosis of arterial
TOS. The purpose of this article is to survey the current literature to establish
the evidence for or against the use of MRA in the diagnosis of arterial TOS. The evidence-based
search was conducted using PubMed, PEDro, Hooked on Evidence, EBM Journals, Ovid,
Cochrane, and E medicine. The studies were graded as to the strength of recommendation
and to the actual level of evidence. Statistics were calculated when sufficient data
were present. The search yielded a total of seven studies. The studies received grades
of recommendation that ranged from B to D. The current evidence in support of MRA
as a valid test for diagnosing arterial TOS is weak and studies are not based on strong
design.
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JHT Read for Credit
Quiz: Article #043
Record your answers on the Return Answer Form found on the tear-out coupon at the back of this issue. There is only one best answer for each question.
- #1.The incidence of TOS seems to be:
- a.unknown.
- b.unchanged.
- c.decreasing.
- d.increasing.
- a.
- #2.The purpose of the article was to examine the literature supporting evidence for the use of
- a.MRA in diagnosing all forms of TOS.
- b.MRA in treating all forms of TOS.
- c.MRA in diagnosing arterial type TOS.
- d.MRA in treating arterial type TOS
- a.
- #3.Which type of TOS is most prevalent?
- a.neurogenic
- b.disputed neurogenic
- c.arterial
- d.venous
- a.
- #4.In cadaveric studies, researchers found what incidence of TOS type anomalies? A range of about:
- a.50–75%
- b.35–45%
- c.0–25%
- d.75–95%
- a.
- #5.The article suggests that the evidence for diagnosing arterial TOS with MRA is
- a.convincing.
- b.not compelling.
- a.
When submitting to the HTCC for recertification, please batch your JHT RFC certificates in groups of three or more to get full credit.
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© 2006 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
