May Thurner Syndrome Doctors Austin | Iliac Vein Compression Experts

May Thurner Syndrome

May Thurner Syndrome is a medical disease affecting the veins of the pelvic region.  It usually first presents in mid to late life.  The condition is found most commonly in females but also occurs in males.  It is not felt to be congenital, meaning that you are not necessarily born with the disease.  The research has shown that there is no known hereditary gene that leads to the condition.  Rather, it is felt to be acquired during your lifetime.

 

 

May-syndrome is also known by the names of iliac vein compression syndrome and Cockett’s syndrome.  It results from an anatomical abnormality in the pelvis.  With normal blood vessel anatomy there is usually enough anatomical space between the large pelvic vein that drains the leg (known as the iliac vein) and the adjacent iliac artery so that both the structures have normal blood flow.  But in May Thurner Syndrome the iliac vein and iliac artery are too close to one another.  This leads to the higher pressure artery causing abnormal compression of the adjacent iliac vein.   Since the back bone / spine is located behind the iliac vein, there is no way for the vein to escape the pressure of the artery, as the iliac vein is “sandwhiched” between the vertebrae of the back bone and the overlying artery.   Over a period of time (typically years), the vein begins to form an abnormal band of scar tissue in the area that is being compressed.  This scar tissue is often called a “web” or “stricture.”  The narrowing of the vein from the scar tissue causes the vein blood flow to decrease.  It also causes abnormal pressure build-up in the veins of the leg below the narrowing.

May Thurner Syndrome can lead to several long-term problems or complications.  One of the most serious problems that can occur as the result of May Thurner Synrome is blood clots within the veins of the legs or the pelvis.  The most common location for these blood clots to occur are in the left leg and left pelvic veins.  Blood clots within these locations are referred to as Deep Venous Thrombosis, ie. DVT.  These clots are dangerous as they can sometime move to the lungs, referred to as pulmonary embolism.  Blood clots can also lead to pain or swelling in the leg or pelvic region.

May Thurner Syndrome Diagnosis

May Thurner Syndrome is most commonly diagnosed with imaging tests.  CT scan and MRI are the most common methods of diagnosing the condition.  The disease can also be identified with the use of catheter venogram or intra-vascular ultrasound (i.e. IVUS).  Our May Thurner Syndrome experts can help determine which testing you will require.

May Thurner Syndrome Treatment

Not everyone with the diagnosis of May Thurner Syndrome will require treatment, but many patients do.  You are more likely to require intervention if you have been diagnosed with a blood clot or if you have chronic pain or swelling of the pelvis or leg. Stent placement in the left iliac vein is the most common procedure preformed for this condition.  Other treatments that can sometimes be offered include prescription medications, compression stockings, angioplasty, and thrombolysis.  If you have been diagnosed with May Thurner Syndrome, one of our experts can meet with you one-on-one to discuss your particular situation and determine the best treatment plan.