I am writing hoping that someone can give me some insight. I've been recently diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (by several drs), although I found out yesterday that the cause is more relative to Thoracic Outlet Compression symptoms.

I've had several problems since June 1st -- numbing of left side of face, shoulder, arm, and hand...and lots of pain! I had a brachial MRI done recently. My primary is great, but he only told me that the radiologist reported compression on my subclavian artery and brachial nerve. He sent me to the surgeon and the surgeon said that I had a rare case of TOS and couldn't figure out the next step. I discovered through this site that he is one of the most reputable vascular surgeons. Unfortunately, he didn't have the MRI results and I wasn't informed enough to explain it to him.

I had an MRA performed yesterday and am waiting for the results. While I was there, I requested my MRI results. To my surprise, the radiologist reported that "there does appear to be mass effect upon the left subclavian artery at the costoclavicular space" and later in the report, "suspected mass effect upon the neurovasicular bundle including the subclavian artery and the brachial plexus".

I'm confused, and feel like "mass effect" should be somewhat self explanatory, but I'm still having a hard time piecing it together. I'm not quite sure what a "mass effect" is, or what it possibly means. I am aware of what an actual mass is, but even googling a "mass effect" in relation to the subclavian artery doesn't turn up much information.

Does anyone have any knowledge of this, or any further explanation of what a "mass effect" entails?

I'd appreciate any insight.

Thanks!

I'm new to this forum, and just ran upon your post. Did you get an answer to your question regarding the "mass effect"?

No answer yet. Most info I've found on "mass effect" has to do with growth in the brain. I did end up finding a couple of sites that point to lung cancer when the "mass effect" is on the subclavian artery. I'm hoping that the MRA rules out any kind of mass! I'm assuming that it's usually a benign or malignant tumor, possibly cyst growth, that effects the nerves, arteries, etc. I'm hoping to hear from someone that has had a "mass effect" so that I am aware of the possibilities it presents. Does it need to be removed, is it invasive, does it matter if it's benign or not when effecting an artery, etc?

Thanks for responding. Are you curious as well? Any kind of similar situation?

hi tracy,

welcome to NT. i'm sorry but i can't answer your Q's. i hope someone will come along who can help.

i just moved from denver to fl. fyi

keep going back to the places that did your tests. you should be able to sign a release and not only get the films (maybe on a disc) but a copy of the report.

i hope you'll get some help from your drs. someone needs to coordinate the medical efforts.

Hi Tracyd,

I am a TOSer and from what you describe I am thinking that they are saying by "mass effect"s that the effect of the compression would be similar to being compressed by a mass but that there is not an actuall mass there. I think its talking about the degree of compression on the blood vessels and nerve bundle.

If you are in the hands of one of the vascular docs in denver you are in good hands. There are two good ones there. I would try to see both and get a second opinion.

Keep us posted.

Thanks Shelley,

What you said makes a lot of sense -- hopefully I'll find out today. In the report, it did state that there is no cervical rib or an anomalous muscle. Hopefully it's an easy fix, whatever it is that's compressing the subclavian artery and brahcial plexus.

I am seeing one of the two great vascular surgeons (I've never been happier to live in Denver as I am now!). The dr mailed me a report of my appt with him and I am very impressed with the details he noted. Most was accurate and he paid a lot more attention to what was going on with me than I thought. In the report, he once again stated that although I have TOS, this is not a typical case. I do plan on talking to my primary about seeing the other surgeon -- can't hurt.

Unfortunately, my left leg and foot went numb last night for several hours. I was not happy about this! I know that TOS has nothing to do with my leg, or my face going numb. Bummer. I think I was happier being in denial.

Thanks again to everyone. I'm still amazed at how supportive people are on this site. It helps to know I'm not alone.

Hi, and welcome to NT! This is a great place with many friendly, caring, and helpful people.

We're so glad you found us!

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help.

There are great number of fellow members here to assist as possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene