Subclavian steal syndrome

Background: The subclavian steal syndrome is a condition in which the cerebral blood supply is periodically severely reduced. This article reviews the pathophysiology and symptoms, diagnostic aspects and the various treatments which exist for the subclavian steal syndrome.

Methods: Our own patient experience and a Medline search for relevant literature, using the article headline as the main keyword.

Conclusions: The subclavian steal syndrome is hemodynamically associated with proximal stenosis or occlusion of the subclavian artery and a changed blood flow pattern in the ipsilateral vertebral artery. The clinical symptoms are due to vertebrobasilar vascular insufficiency or ischemia of the upper extremities. The syndrome is an important cause of transistent ischemic attacks and acute episodic dizziness. Most of the patients with a hemodynamic subclavian steal have few or no clinical symptoms and should be treated conservatively. When symptoms interfer with the patient's quality of life, endovascular or surgical treatment should be considered.