This syndrome, also known as Paget-Schroetter syndrome occurs commonly in young athletes and people employed in occupations that require repetitive activities with the arms elevated. This repetitive motion compresses the vein (subclavian vein) between the clavicle and the adjacent muscles and rib. This can cause a DVT in the upper arm.

The mean age at presentation is about 32 years. If left untreated such a condition has a high rate of functional impairment (70% – 75%), compared to those treated within the first 1 – 2 weeks of development of these symptoms, with a complete recovery seen in close to 100% of the patients.