May-Thurner Syndrome

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 (DVT), which can be life threatening.

May Thurner Syndrome

Symptoms

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 us 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 ultrasound. Once Dr. Darling determines you have th syndrome there are several treatment options he 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.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Vein Doctor in  Kansas City and Liberty, MO

Want to learn more about your May-Thurner Syndrome treatment options? Schedule a vein consultation with the best vein doctor in KC today by calling 816-792-3400 or use our online form and we will contact you.