Pathogenesis (disease development)
In subclavian steal syndrome, the subclavian artery (subclavian artery) is affected, arising on the right as a branch of the brachiocephalic trunk (arm-head vascular trunk; first major arterial branch of the aorta) and on the left directly from the aortic arch. As it continues, it becomes the axillary artery (axillary artery).
If occlusion occurs in the subclavian artery proximal to the branch of the vertebral artery, flow reversal occurs in the vertebral artery. If the arm is now still loaded, neurologic symptoms may occur because of decreased perfusion (reduced blood flow) to the arteries supplying the brain.
Etiology (Causes)
Biographic causes
- Age – The disease occurs predominantly in those over 50 years of age with underlying atherosclerosis (atherosclerosis/arteriosclerosis).
Disease-related causes
Cardiovascular system (I00-I99)
- Atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis; hardening of the arteries).
- Takayasu arteritis (granulomatous vasculitis of the aortic arch and outgoing great vessels; almost exclusively in young women)
