McCleery Syndrome Caused by Pectoralis Minor Hypertrophy Treated with Multimodal Physical Therapy—A Case Report

Abstract

We present a case of a healthy young male professional water polo player who presented with swelling and pain in the upper arm and elbow after vigorous exercise. Diagnostic workup included an MRI and dynamic duplex ultrasound, which revealed compression of the axillary vein by a hypertrophic pectoralis minor muscle without thrombosis, constituting McCleery syndrome. This is a rare entity within the multiple thoracic outlet syndrome aetiologies. Taking a detailed history and physical examination complemented with diagnostic imaging are vital to the diagnosis. Afterward, the patient was treated with multimodal physical therapy and fully recovered and even exceeded his previous training and play level.

Keywords

• McCleery syndrome
• axillary vein
• brachial plexus
• pectoral muscles
• thoracic outlet syndrome
• overhead athlete