The axillary vein is the primary venous drainage of the upper limb, running medial to the axillary artery (in contrast to the accompanying veins of the arm which are lateral). Axillary vein thrombosis (Paget-Schroetter syndrome) from repetitive overhead activity in young athletes produces acute arm swelling, cyanosis, and dilated collateral veins over the shoulder.
| Origin | Continuation of the basilic vein at the lower border of the teres major, joined by the brachial veins |
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Effort thrombosis (Paget-Schroetter) of the axillary vein in swimmers, gymnasts, and baseball pitchers from subclavian-axillary vein compression at the thoracic outlet (costoclavicular pinch) produces acute arm swelling after vigorous overhead activity. Treatment: thrombolysis followed by first rib resection to decompress the thoracic outlet and prevent recurrence.
Effort thrombosis of the axillary vein from thoracic outlet compression in overhead athletes managed with thrombolysis and first rib resection.
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