Pectoralis minor syndrome
İlknur Aktaş 1 ,Feyza Ünlü Özkan 1
1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
DOI :
10.5606/tftrd.2023.12037
Pectoralis minor syndrome (PMS) is defined as compression of the brachial plexus (BP) nerves, axillary artery, and axillary vein under
the pectoralis minor muscle. The symptoms of PMS resemble supraclavicular compression of the neurovascular bundle, with shoulder,
neck, chest, and arm pain, and paresthesia and weakness in the arm and hand. The diagnosis of PMS can be confused with other upper
extremity pain syndromes. A detailed history, including occupation, daily activities, sports, and trauma, is critical in the diagnosis,
together with physical examination findings. Radiological examinations, including direct radiography, computed tomography,
magnetic resonance imaging, and electrophysiological tests, are also helpful for the differential diagnosis. Arterial and venous Doppler
ultrasound, including dynamic investigation, can display arterial and venous compression. Injection tests are used to confirm the
definitive diagnosis. Conservative treatment is successful in most patients, and surgical treatment is considered in unresponsive cases.
Keywords :
Axillary artery, botulinum toxin, brachial plexus, pectoral muscles, thoracic outlet syndrome