Introduction:

Acute arterial ischemia of upper extremities is caused by an abrupt decrease in arterial flow. The incidence of this condition is approximately 1 to 3 cases per 100 000 individuals/year. The main causes are thrombotic or thromboembolic. For its diagnosis, it is important to evaluate the clinical manifestations and imaging findings by Doppler ultrasound, arteriography and/or angiotomography. The treatment will be defined by the limb viability according to Rutherford classification (1-5).

Objective:

Illustrate the diagnosis and management algorithms of arterial ischemia secondary to axillary thrombosis.

Presentation of the case:

We present a clinical case of thrombosis of the right axillary artery detected by arterial Doppler ultrasound and was treated with thromboembolectomy.

Discussion and conclusion:

Acute ischemia of the upper limbs can be produced by various etiologies, this should be suspected in patients that present the mnemotechnic "PRATT" (Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paralysis, Poikilothermia and Paresthesia). The arterial Doppler is the most accessible tool as an initial study that can confirm the diagnosis and therefore, it enables directing the interventions which can benefit the patient such as surgical procedures and/or anticoagulation and secondary prevention.

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