A Never Described Variant of the Cervical Rib Causing Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: World's First Case

Surg J (N Y). 2021 Jul 22;7(3):e179-e183. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1731654. eCollection 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Cervical ribs, also known as Eve's ribs, are rare and found in 1% of population. They are more common in females and more common on right side. They are asymptomatic in 90% of cases. Cervical rib fused with transverse process of sixth vertebra is rarer. We present a case of dry gangrene of lateral three fingers with right radial and subclavian artery thrombosis with rest pain, due to right cervical rib fused with transverse process of sixth vertebra. After development of line of demarcation of the dry gangrene, patient was operated for excision of cervical rib and sixth cervical vertebral transverse process followed by Ray's amputation of right second finger. Postoperative course was uneventful. Patient was discharged with oral anticoagulation and a healthy wound in right hand.

Keywords: cervical rib; subclavian artery thrombosis; transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra.

Publication types

  • Case Reports