MISDIAGNOSIS OF CERVICOBRACHIAL SYNDROME WITH SUBOCCLUSION OF THE LEFT SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical spondylosis (degenerative osteoarthritis) and subclavian occlusion, mostly caused by atherosclerosis, share similar symptoms. Both are diseases of the advanced age. Thus, there are similarities of overlapping or misdiagnosis of both diseases. The aim of this case report was to present diagnosis and treatment of subclavian subocclusion and possibility of misdiagnosis with cervicobrachial syndrome. Case report: We present the case of a 71-year-old woman with noncontrolled hypertension. For many years she complained of occasional pains and tingling in her neck, left shoulder, and hand, coolness in the fingers of the left hand, headache and occasionally dizziness. An x-ray finding of the cervical spine was in favor of spondyloarthrosis on the neck vertebrae, and after consulting an orthopedic specialist, she was diagnosed and treated as cervicobrachial syndrome for many years without success. Cardiology examination detected different high blood pressure readings in both arms and that induced us to perform a computerized angiography (CT). CT showed subocclusion on the left subclavian artery after which our patient underwent angiography and stent implantation. After the procedure, the blood pressure difference decreased and the symptoms disappeared. Conclusion: Due to similar symptoms, whenever cervicobrachial syndrome is diagnosed, the blood pressures in both arms should be measured. In case of their difference, subclavian stenosis should also be considered and appropriate investigations should be made, especially if the difference in pressures is high.