Subclavian vein stenosis

Last revised by David Luong on 9 Feb 2022

Subclavian vein stenosis refers to a narrowing of the subclavian vein.

Presentation can be variable ranging from being asymptomatic to having arm swelling, arm pain, paresthesia, neck pain and occipital headaches.

Subclavian vein stenosis can arise from a number of intrinsic as well as extrinsic causes and can be complicated by subclavian vein DVT.

  • stenosis associated with previous intravenous lines such as haemodialysis catheters 2
  • haemodialysis-related subclavian vein stenosis, thought to be from intimal hyperplasia secondary to increased turbulent flow from a created arteriovenous fistula 5

Interventional radiological treatment options include percutaneous balloon angioplasty, intravascular stent placement, and transcatheter thrombolysis.

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