Delayed diagnosis of TOS in a patient with a cervical rib

This case study demonstrates a delayed diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome, and the value of an appropriate MRI examination.

The patient is a 52 year-old woman who fell down a flight of stairs at work. She noted the onset of pain, numbness and tingling in her left arm shortly thereafter.

The patient sought help from at least 5 physicians for her symptoms. None of these physicians made a firm diagnosis. The patient saw additional doctors, who apparently felt that the patient was either depressed or emotionally struggling, either of which was causing her pain.