Svetlana Bodíková, Veronika Pokorná
Paget-Schroetter syndrome is axillary and subclavian vein thrombosis due to repetitive strenuous activity of the upper arm. The key factors involved in its initiation are anatomical abnormalities of the thorax and repeated trauma to the endothelium of the subclavian vein. The importance of inherited and acquired thrombophilic conditions remain unclear. The most suitable diagnostic method is color Doppler ultrasound, while contrast venography remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Computed tomographic venography or magnetic resonance venography are increasingly used, and can be compared to contrast venography. The anticoagulation treatment alone is not sufficient. Catheter-guided thrombolysis with/ without early thoracic decompression is the correct treatment strategy. Many patients still receive suboptimal treatment despite the vast knowledge on pathogenesis and advances in the therapeutic approach. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness of this rare disease, its risk factors and etiology.