Insights into pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma research: Challenges and goals.

Overall survival rates for pediatric patients with high-risk or relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have not improved significantly since the 1980s. Recent studies have identified a number of targetable vulnerabilities in RMS, but these discoveries have infrequently translated into clinical trials. We propose streamlining the process by which agents are selected for clinical evaluation in RMS.

Thoracic outlet syndrome: a review.

Background: : Arterial and venous thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) were recognized in the late 1800s and neurogenic TOS in the early 1900s. Diagnosis and treatment of the 2 vascular forms of TOS are generally accepted in all medical circles. On the other hand, neurogenic TOS is more difficult to diagnose because there is no standard objective test to confirm clinical impressions.

Observations on the use of seprafilm on the brachial plexus in 249 operations for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.

Purpose: Seprafilm was initially used successfully as a membrane to reduce abdominal adhesions. Subsequently it was tried in a number of other areas to reduce postoperative scarring. Seprafilm was employed in this study to see if it would reduce postoperative scarring after supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS).

Diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a nonspecific label. When employing it, one should define the type of TOS as arterial TOS, venous TOS, or neurogenic TOS. Each type has different symptoms and physical findings by which the three types can easily be identified.

Subclavian vein obstruction without thrombosis.

Background: Unilateral arm swelling caused by subclavian vein obstruction without thrombosis is an uncommon form of venous thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). In 87 patients with venous TOS, only 21 patients had no thrombosis. We describe the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by subclavian vein obstruction with or without thrombosis. The primary symptom is arm swelling, frequently accompanied by cyanosis, pain, and occasionally paresthesias. Venography is the only reliable diagnostic tool.

Supraclavicular first rib resection and total scalenectomy: technique and results.

The supraclavicular approach has been a successful route for thoracic outlet decompression. It permits many more options than the transaxillary route. Anterior and middle scalenectomy, together with brachial plexus neurolysis can be performed with excellent exposure.

Etiology and pathology.

Until the 1920s, TOS was believed to be a vascular condition caused by compression of the subclavian artery by a congenital anomaly, either a cervical rib or tight anterior scalen muscle. Today it is regarded primarily as a neurologic condition caused by neck trauma injuring and scarring the scalene muscles.

Management of cervical ribs and anomalous first ribs causing neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.

Objective: Cervical and anomalous first ribs are rare conditions, occurring in less than 1% of the population. This manuscript reviews our management of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) associated with these congenital anomalies.

Methods: During the past 26 years, 65 operations were performed for abnormal ribs that produced symptoms of TOS.