May-Thurner Syndrome
LA Vascular Specialists
Vascular Specialists located in Beverly Hills, CA & Encino, CA
Up to 20% of Americans have May-Thurner Syndrome, a circulatory condition that increases the risk of blood clots. At LA Vascular Specialists in Beverly Hills, Glendale, and Encino, California, Ramtin Massoudi, MD, and the team specialize in diagnosing and treating May-Thurner Syndrome. To make an appointment, call the nearest Los Angeles area office, or book online today.
What is May-Thurner syndrome?
This occurs when your left iliac vein –– a major vein in your pelvis –– gets compressed by your right iliac artery (the main artery in your right leg). This occurrence negatively affects your circulation, increasing your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism.
What are the symptoms of May-Thurner syndrome?
It usually doesn’t present symptoms unless it occurs alongside deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot that forms deep inside your legs). Still, there are signs to watch out for, including:
- Leg pain
- Leg swelling
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Pain when walking
- Skin discoloration
- Leg ulcers
If you have May-Thurner syndrome, you might also experience enlarged veins on your thighs or calves.
Who is at risk of experiencing May-Thurner syndrome?
May-Thurner syndrome affects people from all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Pregnancy
- Surgery
- Dehydration
- Infection
- Cancer
Using birth control pills can also increase your risk of developing May-Thurner syndrome.
How is May-Thurner syndrome diagnosed?
To diagnose this syndrome, your LA Vascular Specialists provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if they’re worse during certain activities, like walking or exercising.
Next, your provider performs an exam and orders diagnostic imaging, like an ultrasound, MRI, or venogram. These procedures help your provider determine if there’s a narrowing in your left iliac vein.
If noninvasive imaging tests don’t provide enough insight to make a diagnosis, your LA Vascular Specialists provider might also order a minimally invasive procedure, like a catheter-based venogram or an intravascular ultrasound.
How is May-Thurner syndrome treated?
The team at LA Vascular Specialists offers several types of treatment for May-Thurner syndrome, including:
Angioplasty and stenting
Angioplasty and stenting use a small implantable device called a stent to open your left iliac vein, increasing blood flow. Improved circulation reduces leg pain and swelling, enhancing your mobility.
Bypass surgery
If your left iliac vein is blocked, your LA Vascular Specialists provider might recommend bypass surgery. During bypass surgery, your provider uses surgical tools to reroute your blood through healthier veins.
Thrombolysis
If you have this syndrome and a blood clot, the team performs thrombolysis. During thrombolysis, your provider administers clot-busting medication through a catheter (a thin hollow tube). The medication causes the clot to break down, improving circulation to your legs.
Prescription medication
If you have deep vein thrombosis (DVT), your provider might also prescribe medication, like blood thinners or clot busters.
To receive treatment for May-Thurner syndrome, make an appointment at LA Vascular Specialists by calling the nearest office or booking online today.
