Subclavian steal syndrome

Subclavian steal syndrome
Other namesSubclavian steal phenomenon or Subclavian steal steno-occlusive disease
The proximal part of left subclavian is blocked (shaded artery). This prevents antegrade ("forward") flow to the left arm and left vertebral. As a result, flow in the left vertebral is retrograde ("backwards") towards the left arm. Flow to the brain and circle of Willis is via antegrade right and left carotid and right vertebral arteries.
SpecialtyNeurology 

Subclavian steal syndrome (SSS), also called subclavian steal steno-occlusive disease, is a medical condition characterized by retrograde (reversed) blood flow in the vertebral artery or the internal thoracic artery. This reversal occurs due to proximal stenosis (narrowing) or occlusion of the subclavian artery.

The phenomenon of flow reversal is called subclavian steal or subclavian steal phenomenon, regardless of whether signs or symptoms are present. In this condition, the affected arm may receive blood supply flowing in a retrograde direction down the vertebral artery, potentially compromising the vertebrobasilar circulation. Subclavian steal syndrome is considered more severe than typical vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

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