It is an M R Angiogram. Vascular surgeons like to see the vessels and it shows well in an angiogram.

I don't have ATOS myself but am curious what symptoms you had leading up to the ATOS, that led to your diagnosis? My understanding based on what little I have read is that ATOS is supposedly quite rare and most people wouldn't likely be diagnosed unless they'd had some acute event, and generally that would lead to a recommendation of surgery, straightaway. But everyone is not the same, I'm sure. I was also surprised by your statement that you are recovering because what I've read about ATOS is that there is a congenital component which presumably doesn't just go away, barring a surgery. Anyhow, I'm not suggesting I know anything about this, because like I said, I don't have it, but just curious.

My issues were initially neurogenic. Numbness, sensation loss, arm pain. I had been diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome in my left elbow, had surgery for that, and after starting exercising in rehab had similar issues with my right side, followed by a re-occurence of symptoms in my left arm. I decided to get a second opinion and saw an orthopedic doctor at NMH (Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago), who referred me to a neurologist.

During my conversation with the neurologist on my third visit, I mentioned that the last exercise I stopped when things first started was Yoga, because my hand would fall asleep and turn white. I had also noticed recently that my hands were ALWAYS cold and very pale. He immediately decided I should be scheduled for a test in which the read the pulse in your arms during different maneuvers (i can't remember the name of the test). Anyways, that came back with a positive indication toward ATOS, and a visit was scheduled with the chief of vascular surgery at the hospital. A CT scan w/ contrast was scheduled right before my visits.

At some point before seeing Dr. Pearce and getting the CT scan, I started getting swelling in my right arm, especially noticeable in my hand. My right hand was probably 1.5x it's normal size, but I was able to stop the swelling with Aspirin.

Anyways, CT scan showed 100% occlusion of artery when my arm was elevated. The doctor would only say I had ATOS & NTOS, not VTOS as well. He never said I didn't have it, but I assume that diagnoses is reserved for situations requiring immediate intervention.

From what I understand, ATOS/VTOS is usually caused by a congenital anomaly, but not always. The only thing the doctor said I had was a very long neck, lol.

Sorry for the long post

that ultrasound test said that i have no blood flow in my arteries or veins when arms above head. no one ever said atos or not though. they just said tos.

ultrasound and Upper Extremity Arterial Physiology Study were done on me. Not only did my subclavian stop flow, but when it was compressed, my vertebral artery would stop flowing causing me to feel like I was going to pass out.