May Thurner syndrome is an iliac vein compression pattern in which the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein, increasing the risk of left-sided venous symptoms and deep vein thrombosis.
Symptoms and Stages
Classic symptoms include left-leg swelling and pain, particularly in younger women after pregnancy or extended immobilization.
Over time, untreated compression can contribute to varicose veins, phlebitis, skin changes, ulcers, and left iliofemoral DVT.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is based on the combination of symptoms and imaging that shows clinically meaningful vein compression. Doppler ultrasound can help identify clot burden, while CT or MR imaging may help define anatomy.
Modern treatment is usually endovascular and aims to clear clot when present, correct the compression, and reduce the long-term risk of post-thrombotic syndrome.