What is May Thurner Syndrome (MTS):

May Thurner Syndrome is an anatomical vascular disorder in the left lower abdominal veins that increases the risk of blood clots (DVT - deep venous thrombosis) in the left leg. There is no genetic predisposition. It is more common in women between the ages of 20 and 40, especially after pregnancy or following a long period of inactivity.

Why is it called Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome?

The condition occurs when the right iliac artery compresses the under passing left iliac vein which may result in discomfort, swelling, pain or blood clots (DVT-deep venous thrombosis) in the left leg.

What are Signs and Symptoms of MTS:

May-Thurner Syndrome tends to cause prolonged blood stasis in the leg veins which may eventually lead to developing blood clots in the leg veins (DVT) and / or venous insufficiency.
Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots and venous insufficiency include:

• leg pain
• tenderness or throbbing in the leg
• Red or purple skin
• Feeling warm to the touch
• Swelling in the leg
• feeling of heaviness in the leg
• enlarged veins in the leg

Is it life the threatening condition?

• Even though MTS itself is not life-threatening, the blood clot has the potential to break free and travel through the bloodstream, where it can become lodged in the blood vessels of the lung (known as a pulmonary embolism). This can be a life-threatening condition.
• It can also lead to ulcers in the leg known as venous stasis ulcer due to prolonged blood stasis and sluggish flow in the affected veins

How is it diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will start with your medical history and physical examination. There are several imaging options to investigate this mechanical disorder including:

• Venous Duplex Ultrasound
• CT Scan
• MRI Scan
• Venogram
• Intravenous ultrasound

May-Thurner syndrome remains undiagnosed in most patients unless it starts causing symptoms. Patient education about the syndrome is far more important in this scenario to help diagnosing the underlying disease at the right time.

If you have MTS, you need to be aware of these symptoms so you can seek medical attention. Depending upon the progression of disease, there are several treatment options available ranging from the medical therapy to the minimally invasive percutaneous procedure called venous angioplasty.