What is May-Thurner Syndrome and How is it Treated?

By Dr. Jose Almeida

October 5, 2015


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If you are suffering from May-Thurner Syndrome, it means that your iliac vein on the left side of your body is being compressed by your iliac artery on the right. The iliac veins and arteries run through your pelvis. When you have compression of your iliac veins, that pressure can cause a condition known as deep vein thrombosis or clotting in the veins deep within your body. When these clots form, blood flow can be blocked in the veins and lead to serious health problems. The majority of patients don’t even know that they have May-Thurner Syndrome until they are diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.

What are the Symptoms of May-Thurner Syndrome?

You are not likely to have symptoms of May-Thurner Syndrome, a hidden condition until you have developed a clot in your leg. At that point, you could experience the following:

  • Pain in your leg
  • A sensation of warmth only in your leg
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Veins that become more pronounced in your leg
To request a consultation click here or call 305-854-1555.

If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. The biggest concern with deep vein thrombosis is that the clot could migrate through your body, eventually traveling to the lungs and becoming trapped in your lung’s blood vessels. Should this occur, you could face a life-threatening episode known as a pulmonary embolism. Also, blood could leak in your legs due to May-Thurner Syndrome, causing chronic swelling, pain, and discoloration of your skin. Treat symptoms as soon as possible to avoid complications.

How is May-Thurner Syndrome Treated?

Once you have been properly diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome, treatment can begin. You can choose from several options. Your doctor will evaluate your health history, your current condition, and help you to select the alternative that is most effective for you. One approach is to prescribe blood thinners to eliminate clots in your blood stream. Thrombolytic therapy involves the insertion of a tiny catheter into the affected vein. Medication is then injected into the vein to dissolve the clot.

Angioplasty can be used after a vein is cleared of clotting, inserting a balloon into the vein through a catheter to widen it. A stent, or small tube of metal mesh, can be inserted into the vein to provide a support system and keep it open. In rare cases, your doctor may suggest having a vena cava filter inserted into your body’s largest vein to filter out minor clots that appear and travel through the body.

Learn More about Your Options for Treating May-Thurner Syndrome

If you have May-Thurner Syndrome or suspect that you do, it is important that you schedule an appointment with us at the Miami Vein Center to talk to our board certified vascular surgeon, Dr. Jose Almeida. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to avoiding serious health problems down the line. Talk with Dr. Almeida about your choices to find the best path for effectively eliminating your symptoms caused by May-Thurner Syndrome. With careful monitoring and early treatment, you can expect to live a full and healthy life. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

To request a consultation click here or call 305-854-1555.

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