Subclavian steal syndrome

Subclavian steal syndrome refers to the rare situation where neurologic symptoms are caused by this retrograde flow. In this syndrome, reversal of flow in the vertebral artery is caused by a high grade subclavian artery stenosis or occlusion proximal to the origin of the vertebral artery from the aortic arch or innominate artery, with resultant symptoms of brainstem ischemia, usually precipitated by actively exercising the ipsilateral arm.

 The subclavian steal syndrome can be congenital (atresia or stenosis of the subclavian artery) or acquired (usually arteriosclerosis). Only a about 15% of the patients with an hemodynamically significant subclavian obstruction have clinical symptoms from the steal effect.

Males are affected more than females for atherosclerosis subclavian steal phenomenon, but females are more likely to suffer from Takayasu’s disease. Symptoms may include vertigo, unsteadiness, visual blurring, and occasionally diplopia and sensory symptoms.
Subclavian steal syndrome