Aetiology

Axillary vein thrombosis commonly follows excessive use of the arm, especially above head level, for example, clearing a high shelf. It also occurs in the dominant arm of younger athletic patients involved in activities requiring excessive and repeated motion of the upper extremities, such as wrestling, swimming, gymnastics, and sports involving repetitive ball throwing.

Less frequently, the vein is compressed by musculoskeletal abnormalities or enlarged lymph nodes.

It may also follow mastectomy, radiotherapy, or venous cannulation, or may result from underlying visceral malignancy or increased plasma viscosity in polycythaemia.

Reference

1. Heil J, Miesbach W, Vogl T, et al; Deep Vein Thrombosis of the Upper Extremity. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017 Apr 7;114(14):244-249.