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What is May-Thurner syndrome? -

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a rare vascular disorder in which an artery compresses a vein in your pelvis.

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How does it occur? -

MTS occurs when the right common iliac artery compresses the left common iliac vein, restricting the drainage of blood from the lower extremities, according to the Center for Vascular Medicine.

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Inhibited blood flow -

This makes it more difficult for blood to flow back to the heart. If left untreated, it can result in deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

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Deep vein thrombosis -

DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins, usually in the legs.

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Pulmonary embolism -

These clots may break loose and get stuck in the lungs, blocking blood flow in what is known as a pulmonary embolism. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

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Who is most affected? -

MTS, also referred to as iliac vein compression syndrome, primarily affects women between the ages of 20 and 45 who have been pregnant.

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How does MTS present itself? -

The condition ordinarily presents itself on the left side, though cases where there are right-sided symptoms have been reported.

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A little-known disorder -

Some people with May-Thurner syndrome have no symptoms. Furthermore, experts aren't quite sure why such vein compression happens.

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What are the symptoms? -

But when symptoms are present, patients invariably complain of chronic leg pain, leg swelling, and pain in the pelvic area.

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Inherent risks -

As symptoms progress, varicose veins may appear in the upper legs. And as already outlined, there's always a risk of developing DVT.

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Cases are becoming more frequent -

While still defined as rare, MTS has become more frequent, according to a study commissioned by the University of Maryland Medical Center and published in 2020 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

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A more prevalent condition -

In fact, researchers speculate that the condition may be more prevalent "than generally perceived."

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What provokes MTS? -

The 2020 study suggests that one reason for underdiagnosis of the condition could be that people may not be symptomatic until "provoked by instances of increased hypercoagulability," reports The Washington Post.

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Threat of thrombosis -

Hypercoagulability is the increased tendency of blood to thrombose, such as during air travel or postpartum.

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Other risk factors -

Related risk factors include pregnancy, multiple childbirths, oral contraceptives, recent surgery, trauma to the veins, and scoliosis (sideways curve of the spine), as noted by the Center for Vascular Medicine.

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How is MTS diagnosed? -

May-Thurner syndrome is a progressive disease, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential for better long-term outcomes. It's usually diagnosed by an imaging test such as a CT scan or an MRI.

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Treatment options -

When symptoms are severe, several treatment options are available, including blood thinners, or anticoagulants, to help prevent clots.

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Thrombolysis -

Thrombolysis, also known as thrombolytic therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure to dissolve dangerous clots in blood vessels, improve blood flow, and prevent damage to tissues and organs.

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Stenting -

A more involved treatment is the insertion of a small mesh tube into the vein to hold it open, preventing backflow blood. Known as stenting, this is also a minimally invasive procedure, and can save lives.

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Lauren Boebert's treatment -

Congresswoman Boebert is reported to have undergone stenting. She was hospitalized after suffering "severe swelling in her upper left leg" and underwent surgery to remove the blood clot in the limb before a stent was inserted to aid blood flow.

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Surgery -

May-Thurner syndrome can also be treated through dedicated surgery where the vein is rerouted, bypassing the section causing pain.

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How to prevent MTS -

There are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent the onset of MTS. One of these is to use pantyhose-style compression hosiery throughout pregnancies.

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Use of compression stockings -

In fact, wearing compression stockings/socks on a routine basis during times of prolonged standing or sitting and traveling long distances is recommended.

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Keep BMI in check -

Maintaining a healthy BMI/weight ratio is crucial to preventing MTS. According to Healthline, white, black, and Hispanic women are considered to be at a "healthy weight" when their BMI lies between 18.5 and 24.9.

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Watch your weight when pregnant -

Maintaining healthy weight gain during pregnancies is an equally important preventive measure.

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Undertake regular exercise -

Additionally, routine exercises that uses the calf muscles to promote blood flow out of the veins is an excellent way of lowering the risk of MTS.

Sources: (Center for Vascular Medicine) (The Washington Post) (Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis)

See also: Alice in Wonderland syndrome is actually a real neurological condition

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