Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome—A Case Study of a 23-Year-Old Female Patient Diagnosed Using a Thermal Imaging Camera

TL;DR

A 23-year-old woman with unusual arm symptoms was diagnosed with a rare condition using thermal imaging, leading to successful treatment.

Contribution

This is the first documented use of thermal imaging to diagnose arterial thoracic outlet syndrome.

Findings

Thermal imaging identified arterial thoracic outlet syndrome in a patient with upper limb symptoms.

Surgical intervention and rehabilitation led to significant symptom remission.

Thermal imaging is proposed as a safe and effective diagnostic tool for vascular diseases.

Abstract

We present the case of a 23-year-old woman who reported weakness in the left upper limb, decreased warmth, numbness in the fingers, pain in the clavicular region, and a severe cold sensation in the limb. A thermal imaging camera examination was performed for diagnostic purposes, which guided further diagnostic and therapeutic management towards arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (aTOS). Following surgery and rehabilitation procedures, significant remission of symptoms was achieved and the patient’s condition improved. This is the first report on the diagnosis of aTOS using thermal imaging, paving the way for further clinical research into this effective, rapid, and radiation-free method of diagnostic imaging. Conclusion: Thermal imaging is one of the most effective, readily available, and patient-safe methods for diagnosing vascular disease associated with flow disruption.

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