May-Thurner Syndrome

May-Thurner syndrome is a rare vascular condition that can increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other blood clots. At RIA Endovascular in Greenwood Village and Windsor, Colorado, the experienced board-certified interventional radiologists focus on restoring proper blood flow with targeted treatments. Their goal is to relieve symptoms and help prevent serious complications from poor blood flow. Call the location nearest you today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is May-Thurner syndrome?

May-Thurner syndrome occurs when an artery in your pelvis (right iliac artery) presses against a nearby vein (left iliac vein), slowing blood flow and making clots more likely to form. It typically affects your left leg and raises the risk of DVT, a type of blood clot in your veins. May-Thurner syndrome is dangerous without treatment and can be difficult to diagnose.

What are the warning signs of May-Thurner syndrome?

May-Thurner syndrome doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms, but telltale warning signs can include:

• Leg pain or aching, often worsening when standing or walking
• A feeling of heaviness in the leg
• Visible varicose veins
• Skin discoloration or redness
• Warmth in the affected leg
• Frequent leg cramps

Symptoms of this condition are similar to other vascular disorders, like chronic venous insufficiency, which can make it challenging to identify without proper evaluation.

What causes May-Thurner syndrome?

The exact cause of May-Thurner syndrome isn’t always clear, but it typically stems from the way your blood vessels are naturally positioned in your body. 

Some people are born with this condition, where the artery and vein are closer together than usual, leading to increased pressure over time. For others, it may develop later in life due to factors like trauma, surgery, or prolonged periods of immobility that affect blood flow. 

How is May-Thurner syndrome treated?

RIA Endovascular specializes in several types of treatments for May-Thurner syndrome, including:

Conservative treatment

Your provider may recommend conservative treatments if you have mild symptoms and no blood clots. These include wearing compression stockings to improve blood flow, elevating the affected leg to reduce swelling, and reducing blood clot risks.

Angioplasty and stenting

Angioplasty uses a small balloon to widen the vein, while stenting involves placing a small tube (stent) to keep the vein open and allow blood to flow more freely.

Anticoagulation therapy

Anticoagulation therapy (blood thinners) is a common treatment if you have blood clots. You may start with medications like heparin, then switch to longer-term options like warfarin or rivaroxaban to prevent new clots from forming.  

Catheter-directed thrombolysis

In more severe cases, when a blood clot is already present, catheter-directed thrombolysis may be necessary. This procedure delivers medication directly to the clot to break it up. 

Surgery

Surgical approaches may include venous bypass or thrombectomy to remove the clot and improve blood flow. Surgery is usually reserved for severe cases or when other treatments are not possible.

Don’t wait to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment for May-Thurner syndrome. Call RIA Endovascular or schedule an appointment online to get the care you deserve.