What is May-Thurner Syndrome?
May-Thurner syndrome is a type of venous compression syndrome. In this situation, the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein causing a partial or complete reduction in blood flow. This anatomical variant can increase the risk of developing a DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
May-Thurner syndrome symptoms
This condition can be asymptomatic. In many cases, this condition is diagnosed after a patient develops a left-sided DVT. In other cases, patients may experience the following symptoms:
Leg swelling
Leg skin discoloration
Leg heaviness
Leg pain
Enlarged leg veins
Ankle skin discoloration
Ankle skin ulcers
Varicose veins in the pelvic area
How is May-Thurner syndrome diagnosed?
The symptoms of May Thurner can be subtle and this may delay the diagnosis. A high index of suspicion and a detailed history of your presentation along with a detailed physical examination provide the initial clues to this diagnosis. Venous ultrasound examinations are a reasonable initial diagnostic examination; however, more specific imaging tests are recommended in cases where the diagnosis cannot be completely excluded. Catheter-based venography with intravascular ultrasound are a highly sensitive combination to diagnose this condition.
How is May-Thurner syndrome treated?
Developments in technology have made the treatment of the May-Thurner syndrome relatively simple and effective. In some cases, conservative treatment is able to manage mild symptoms. A venoplasty with stent implantation is indicated in the presence of a complication, such as a venous ulcer, severe life-limiting symptoms, or if a blood clot develops.
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