May-Thurner Syndrome Meaning, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Do you experience leg swelling and pain, bleeding and varicose veins? If yes, you might be suffering from May-Thurner Syndrome. Let’s understand what exactly the syndrome is and its different treatment options. What is May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) in a nutshell? May-Thurner Syndrome, also known as iliac vein compression syndrome, is a medical condition where pressure builds up in the left common iliac vein – a blood vessel in the pelvic area. The pressure is created by an artery known as the right iliac vein. The right common iliac artery crosses the left common iliac vein thereby causing it to press against the spine. When compression becomes severe, blood clots develop that break away from the vein, leading to fatal health complications. Simply put, MTS is caused when the left iliac vein is compressed by the right iliac artery, thereby increasing the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot which may block blood flow through the vein in the left extremity.
When should an individual seek treatment for MTS? Most people do not acknowledge MTS until DVT is developed. However, an individual should seek medical advice from a vein specialist if they experience
symptoms like swelling, pain, tenderness in the leg, sudden warmth in the leg, redness or discoloration of the skin, and enlargement of the veins. DVT itself is not fatal, but the blot clot formed has the potential to break free and enter into the bloodstream, where it can get lodged in the blood vessels of the lung causing a pulmonary embolism, which could be life threatening. DVT can also cause chronic venous insufficiency, known as post-thrombotic syndrome, in which blood pools, thereby causing chronic leg swelling, increased pigmentation or discoloration of the skin, increased pressure and leg ulcers (venous stasis ulcer). How is the condition diagnosed? MTS is diagnosed by imaging the lower back and pelvic area. Different imaging techniques like X-ray, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound or other imaging methods can be incorporated. Venography is another technique which is usually used to diagnose MTS. In this process, a special dye is inserted into the vein before taking X-ray images of the area. The dye makes veins, compressed areas and sluggish blood flow evident in the image taken. What are the different treatment options for MTS? Major treatment options for MTS include: • Anticoagulation • Catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy • Angioplasty and stenting • Vena cava filters Consult a physician offering varicose vein removal and MTS treatment to understand the treatment options best suited for your condition.
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