Vertebral artery (VA) provides collateral blood flow to upper extremity because of vascular blockage
Caused by stenosis/occlusion of proximal subclavian artery (SCA) or, occasionally, brachiocephalic artery
Leads to reversed flow in VA to perfuse SCA distal to stenosis/occlusion
Exacerbated by demand for increased arterial blood flow in arm supplied by affected SCA
IMAGING
General Features
Ultrasonographic Findings
CT Findings
MR Findings
Angiographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Staging, Grading, & Classification
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Image Interpretation Pearls
Selected References
Osiro S et al: A review of subclavian steal syndrome with clinical correlation. Med Sci Monit. 18(5):RA57-63, 2012
Song L et al: Endovascular stenting vs. extrathoracic surgical bypass for symptomatic subclavian steal syndrome. J Endovasc Ther. 19(1):44-51, 2012
Betensky BP et al: Unequal blood pressures: a manifestation of subclavian steal. Am J Med. 124(8):e1-2, 2011
Tan TY et al: Hemodynamic effects of subclavian steal phenomenon on contralateral vertebral artery. J Clin Ultrasound. 34(2):77-81, 2006
Sheehy N et al: Contrast-enhanced MR angiography of subclavian steal syndrome: value of the 2D time-of-flight "localizer" sign. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 185(4):1069-73, 2005
Bitar R et al: MR angiography of subclavian steal syndrome: pitfalls and solutions. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 183(6):1840-1, 2004
Related Anatomy
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References
Tables
Tables
KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Pathology
Clinical Issues
TERMINOLOGY
Definitions
Vertebral artery (VA) provides collateral blood flow to upper extremity because of vascular blockage
Caused by stenosis/occlusion of proximal subclavian artery (SCA) or, occasionally, brachiocephalic artery
Leads to reversed flow in VA to perfuse SCA distal to stenosis/occlusion
Exacerbated by demand for increased arterial blood flow in arm supplied by affected SCA
IMAGING
General Features
Ultrasonographic Findings
CT Findings
MR Findings
Angiographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Staging, Grading, & Classification
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Image Interpretation Pearls
Selected References
Osiro S et al: A review of subclavian steal syndrome with clinical correlation. Med Sci Monit. 18(5):RA57-63, 2012
Song L et al: Endovascular stenting vs. extrathoracic surgical bypass for symptomatic subclavian steal syndrome. J Endovasc Ther. 19(1):44-51, 2012
Betensky BP et al: Unequal blood pressures: a manifestation of subclavian steal. Am J Med. 124(8):e1-2, 2011
Tan TY et al: Hemodynamic effects of subclavian steal phenomenon on contralateral vertebral artery. J Clin Ultrasound. 34(2):77-81, 2006
Sheehy N et al: Contrast-enhanced MR angiography of subclavian steal syndrome: value of the 2D time-of-flight "localizer" sign. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 185(4):1069-73, 2005
Bitar R et al: MR angiography of subclavian steal syndrome: pitfalls and solutions. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 183(6):1840-1, 2004
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