Diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. Relative value of electrophysiological studies.

The diagnostic utility of various electrophysiological techniques was evaluated in patients with thoracic outlet compression syndrome (TOCS). Our results suggest that in true neurogenic TOCS, there is no standard electrophysiological picture, but that this evolves with the severity of the syndrome. The first changes observed are electromyographic, followed by changes in F-wave and SEPs, followed finally by changes in nerve conduction parameters. EMG study was certainly more informative, showing neurogenic damage not only in limbs with neurological signs but also in about 1/4 of limbs with only subjective symptoms. The study of F-wave and SEPs does not seem to be particularly helpful, however, in view of the peculiar changes found in these patients, SEPs may be a useful complement to EMG. Nerve conduction studies were of little utility since changes in these parameters are only found in patients with long-standing anomalies and severe atrophy.