Bangalore, June 9, 2025: A 29-year-old woman came to us with pain and numbness in her hand that had been referred by a neurologist. On further tests, we found a rare condition where an extra rib was pressing on her blood vessels, causing a blockage and swelling. A detailed vascular assessment revealed a thrombosed brachial artery and aneurysmal dilatation of the right subclavian artery due to a cervical rib.

Diagnosis revealed that she was suffering from a rare and potentially limb-threatening condition Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (ATOS) with a subclavian aneurysm and distal embolization. She underwent a complex surgical procedure including cervical rib excision, subclavian artery reconstruction, and brachial artery thromboembolectomy. With timely intervention, we were able to restore blood flow and prevent serious complications, including limb loss. Post-surgery, the patient showed dramatic improvement with full restoration of hand perfusion and resolution of neurological symptoms. The case underscores the importance of multidisciplinary expertise and advanced imaging in diagnosing rare vascular disorders.

Dr. Krishna Chaitanya, Lead Consultant – Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, said: “This case is a powerful reminder that not all limb pain is neurological or musculoskeletal. Vascular conditions like Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, though rare, can be limb-threatening if not identified early. Through a precise diagnosis and a tailored surgical approach, we were able to restore blood flow and ensure the patient made a full recovery.

Dr. Pavan B K, Consultant - Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, said: "Although many people have extra ribs in the neck, a few of them can cause pressure upon vital structures like arteries and veins. It is essential for all those with cervical ribs to check at least once if they have any arterial compression."

SGS Lakshmanan, Chief Operating Officer of Aster CMI Hospital, added:
“This case reflects our commitment to delivering advanced and timely care across specialties. At Aster CMI, we are equipped to handle rare and complex conditions with a multidisciplinary approach. Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives the right diagnosis and the best possible outcome, no matter how challenging the case may be.

About ASTER DM HEALTHCARE

Aster DM Healthcare Limited is one of the largest private healthcare service providers operating in GCC and in India. With an inherent emphasis on clinical excellence, we are one of the few entities in the world with a strong presence across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary healthcare through our 30 hospitals, 121 clinics, 459* pharmacies, 19 labs and 140 patient experience centers in seven countries, including India. We have over 28,400 plus dedicated staff including 3,622 doctors and 8,095 nurses across the geographies that we are present in, delivering a simple yet strong promise to our different stakeholders: “We’ll treat you well.” We reach out to all economic segments in the GCC states through our differentiated healthcare services across the “Aster”, “Med care” and “Access” brands. * Including 214 Pharmacies in India operated by Alfaone Retail Pharmacies Private Limited under brand license from Aster.