Subclavian steal syndrome

The Subclavian Steal Syndrome ( Vertebralisanzapfsyndrom ) belongs to the so-called Anzapfphänomenen ( Steal syndromes ) and referred to blood pressure reductions or fluctuations distally of temporary or incomplete vessel occlusion (stenosis ) of the subclavian artery ( shoulder girdle artery) before the departure of the vertebral artery.

Usually the left shoulder girdle artery is affected. After intense muscle work, for example when working with the arm above the head, it can cause a blood flow of the vertebral artery ( now fed from the opposite side ) come subclavian artery into the artery, in the aftermath of the blood pressure falls in the same side supply area of ​​the vertebral artery to towards the basilar artery from. Here then is a flow reversal. In particularly severe cases of subclavian steal syndrome can cause symptoms even in the absence of physical labor. Diagnosis can be felt the syndrome by a blood pressure difference on the two arms and auscultation over the artery in the stethoscope. A similar events underlying the iliofemoral Steal syndrome.

Symptoms

The decreased oxygen supply in the affected arm leads to ischemia pain. The central blood pressure may lead to temporary dizziness, ataxia ( unsteadiness ), blurred vision, and fainting ( syncope ).

Therapy

In severe discomfort is a dilatation of the stenosis with a balloon catheter ( balloon dilatation ) or a bypass operation in question.