A Case of Upper Extremity Edema

Abstract

Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) accounts for the minority of thrombotic events. Most UEDVT events are secondary to venous catheters allowing for easy diagnostic recognition. Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS), formation of UEDVT due to mechanical compression of the subclavian vein, is an uncommon cause of primary UEDVT and therefore often remains elusive. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion for this disorder in young males with spontaneous upper extremity edema as prompt detection can be curative and prevent long term sequelae. We report a case of a healthy young male presenting with Paget-Shroetter syndrome and resultant pulmonary embolus.