Diagnostic accuracy of physician and self-referred patients for thoracic outlet syndrome is excellent.

Background: The purpose of this study was to categorize patients referred to a specialized thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) practice to determine the diagnostic accuracy of those who are physician and self-referred.

Methods: Demographic and clinical data on all patients who were referred for TOS between 2006 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained institutional review board-approved database and patient records.

Results: Between 2006 and 2010, 621 patients were referred for TOS (433 women and 188 men; mean age 39 years [range 10-87]).