May Thurner Syndrome
What is May-Thurner Syndrome?
May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS), also known as Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome or Cockett’s Syndrome, is a rare and underdiagnosed vascular condition that causes compression of the left iliac vein by the overlying right iliac artery. The iliac vein, located in the pelvis, is a large vein that carries the deoxygenated blood from legs back to the heart. The iliac artery does the opposite. They carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the legs. The pressure exerted by this artery on the left iliac vein in the pelvis can diminish the blood flow from the left leg and increases the risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the primary complication of May-Thurner syndrome. MTS can also cause vein disease such as venous insufficiency.
Symptoms of May-Thurner Syndrome
Although both men and women can suffer from May-Thurner Syndrome, MTS predominantly affects women in the 20’s to 40’s age group because of the stress that pregnancy puts on the pelvis.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and many individuals may not develop symptoms or complications. For others, common symptoms include the following:
- Significant leg swelling with one leg appearing larger than the other
- Chronic Leg Pain
- Skin dermatitis and discoloration(hyperpigmentation)
- Weak feeling in your legs while sitting or standing
- Heaviness, Achiness, tiredness in your legs
- Varicose veins
- Slow-healing venous ulcers due to chronic elevated venous pressure
May-Thurner Syndrome and DVT
May-Thurner Syndrome is usually underdiagnosed until DVT develops. It is believed that 2-5% of all DVT’s are due to May-Thurner Syndrome. DVT is a blood clot in the deep venous system. These blood clots are potentially life threatening because they can break free, travel to the lungs, and cause a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries. This condition, known as pulmonary embolism (P.E.), can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of May-Thurner Syndrome
May Thurner syndrome is diagnosed based on your physical examination, medical history, and symptoms. Common diagnostic exams will include diagnostic venous ultrasound, venogram, and intravenous ultrasound (IVUS). If the imaging test shows compression of the iliac vein, in addition to lower extremity pain, swelling, and other symptoms, MTS will be confirmed, and optimal treatment options will be based on the severity of your symptoms. Treatments may include anticoagulant medications, compression stockings, and other endovenous treatments.
Schedule Your Consultation with Board-Certified Vein Doctors
The New York Vein Treatment Center is a leader in the field of venous disease treatment and management. Our health care physicians are among the most experienced in their field, having treated thousands of patients successfully. To know about treatment options or May-Thurner syndrome, drop us a line at (212) 575-8346.
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