Also known as iliac compression syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome is a narrowing of the left common iliac vein, a blood vessel located in the pelvic area, by the overlying artery. If not treated, this could result in a blood clot called deep vein thrombosis, which could be life threatening.
Symptoms of May-Thurner Syndrome
About 2 to 5 percent of people who have vein disorders in this area have May-Thurner Syndrome. If you don’t get treatment, you could get pulmonary embolisms, which is a blood-clot that breaks free and travels in the bloodstream and becomes stuck in the lungs. If you see any of these symptoms below, make sure you contact Skin & Vein Center as soon as possible.
- Swelling, pain and tenderness in the leg
- Increased warmth in the leg
- Redness or discoloration of skin
- Enlarged veins in the leg
May-Thurner Syndrome Treatment
May-Thurner Syndrome is diagnosed through looking at the lower back and pelvic area by X-rays or ultrasounds. Once your doctor determines if you have May-Thurner Syndrome there are several treatment options she may recommend:
- Prescribe anti-coagulants or blood thinners
- Thrombolysis: a catheter is inserted in the vein and the clot-dissolving medication breaks apart the clot.
- Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis: uses clot-dissolving drugs along with a device that breaks the clot mechanically.
- Angioplasty: a nonsurgical treatment that widens the veins after the blood clot is dissolved. A small balloon is inflated to stretch the vein open and increase blood flow.
The staff at the Skin & Vein Center is skilled in treating a wide variety of skin and vein issues. Contact our office located in the Kansas City area today to learn more about our experienced staff and treatment options.