Acute Subclavian Artery Thrombosis Secondary to Oral Contraceptive Agent Consumption: A Case Report

Abstract

Subclavian artery thrombosis is an uncommon cause of limb ischemia in females without a history of vasculopathy. This condition usually occurs secondary to atherosclerotic changes and hypercoagulable states, which are generally asymptomatic. However, it can manifest with such symptoms as coldness, pain, and pulselessness in the upper extremity. Herein, we presented a 40-year-old female admitted to our hospital with three days history of right-side hemiparesis and complaints of imbalance and vertigo. The patient had a history of 2-month consumption of high-dose oral contraceptive (OCP) agents for birth control purposes. Cervical magnetic resonance angiography showed a significant occlusion in the proximal part of the left subclavian artery, leading to the diagnosis of subclavian artery thrombosis secondary to the use of long-term high-dose OCP. Our diagnosis was confirmed with the Doppler color sonography. This case demonstrated the importance of a full assessment regardless of the patient’s chief complaints. This kind of assessment allows for a faster and more effective management, thereby reducing the associated costs. Therefore, any suggestive signs or symptoms of arterial thrombosis should be followed up even in low-risk patients. Accordingly, in case the achievement of confirmatory findings regarding the diagnosis of arterial thrombosis, the patient should be immediately subjected to proper medical and surgical interventions.

Keywords

• arterial thrombosis
• ischemia
• oral contraceptive agent