May-Thurner Syndrome Treatment

Dr. Aaron Shiloh, MD wants to inform his patients living in Bucks County, Montgomery County, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, PA, and beyond about May-Thurner Syndrome treatment. He specializes in applying non-invasive methods as well as cutting-edge technology to make his patients as comfortable as possible while recovering quickly to resume their everyday lives.

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS), which is also known as iliac vein compression syndrome, is a rare condition in which compression of the common venous outflow tract of the left lower extremity takes place. The iliac veins consist of the external iliac veins and internal iliac veins. The left and right common iliac veins join in the abdomen. Their function is to drain blood from the pelvis and lower limbs. This compression can cause swelling, discomfort, pain or blood clots in the iliofemoral vein.

This syndrome is hereditary. This tightening of the affected vein increases the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which if left untreated, can be fatal.

The particular issue of MTS is the compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery. This results in pooling or stasis of blood, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. Less common forms of MTS include the compression of the right common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery.

May-Thurner Syndrome also involves a disease known as nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions which can pertain to both the right and left iliac veins as well as many other venous segments. This syndrome typically manifests as major swelling of the entire limb or pain when the limb is dependent, especially when it’s hanging off a bed or chair.

How is it Treated?

May-Thurner Syndrome treatment depends on the severity of the leg swelling and pain. Vascular specialists such as Dr. Shiloh can diagnose and treat arterial and venous diseases to make sure that the cause of this extremity pain is identified correctly. He confirm’s the diagnosis using imaging like magnetic resonance venography, which is normally confirmed with intravascular ultrasound since the flattened vein might not be seen on conventional venography. In order to prevent long-term pain and swelling from the backed up blood in the compressed iliac vein, blood flow must be improved in the leg. Some less complex cases can be treated with compression stockings.

Severe May-Thurner Syndrome could require thrombolysis, as well as angioplasty and the stenting of the iliac vein after the diagnosis is confirmed with a venogram or an intravascular ultrasound. A stent can be used to support the painful area from compressing even further after the angioplasty.

Dr. Aaron Shiloh, MD is more than ready to treat patients that live in Bucks County, Montgomery County, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, PA, and beyond. If you are experiencing severe pain and swelling in your leg and may be suffering from May-Thurner Syndrome, please contact him as soon as you can regarding treatment options. He utilizes cutting-edge technology and non-invasive techniques, so you can recover quickly and comfortably and resume your everyday life.