May-Thurner syndrome, a diagnosis to consider in young males with no risk factors: a case report and review of the literature

Unveiling May-Thurner Syndrome in a Case of Recurrent Deep Venous Thrombosis With Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a rare cause of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), characterized by the external compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery against bony structures. Risk factors for MTS include female sex (postpartum, multiparous, and using oral contraceptive pills), spinal abnormalities like scoliosis, prior aortoiliac vascular stent placement, dehydration, and hypercoagulability. MTS patients with partial obstruction can be asymptomatic, but progression to extensive symptomatic DVT and/or chronic venous insufficiency can occur. MTS can be diagnosed by non-invasive imaging studies including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), venogram, catheter-based venogram, and intravascular US. For MTS patients with moderate to severe symptoms, we suggest thrombectomy, angioplasty, and stenting of the affected segment. In this case report, we highlight a 44-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of left-sided DVT on apixaban who presented with worsening leg swelling. DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE), and MTS were diagnosed with a lower extremity US, chest CT angiography, and abdominal/pelvic CT scan and venography, respectively. The patient underwent interventional radiology-guided local thrombolysis, thrombectomy, and venoplasty along with stent placement in the left common iliac vein. Subsequently, the patient was discharged on rivaroxaban.

Iatrogenic Venous Compression Syndrome Following Bilateral Hip Arthroplasty: A Unique Case of Bilateral Femoral Vein Compression in a Patient With May-Thurner Syndrome

Iatrogenic venous compression syndrome is defined by extrinsic vein compression due to medical hardware, particularly relevant after joint replacement surgeries. Inserting medical hardware can lead to immediate risks such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms due to local tissue inflammation. The long-term issues include venous insufficiency due to chronic vessel irritation, subsequently causing intimal proliferation and thickening. Despite the existing knowledge of venous compression syndromes, iatrogenic cases are severely underreported. Here, we present a unique case of bilateral common femoral vein compression in a patient with May-Thurner syndrome and prior bilateral hip arthroplasty. An 85-year-old man with a history of venous insufficiency and bilateral hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis presented with bilateral leg edema. Unsuccessful sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation led to a referral to a vascular specialist for venous duplex scans, venograms, and intravascular ultrasound. May-Thurner syndrome was revealed in the left common iliac vein, prompting the deployment of an 18 mm × 16 mm stent. Subsequently, during a venogram, what initially appeared to be a vasospasm in the left common femoral vein was diagnosed as extrinsic iatrogenic venous compression due to acetabular hip screws. This was found after two IV injections of 400 mg nitrogen and one balloon angioplasty could not resolve the compression. After advancement over a 0.35" microwire and accurate positioning over the center of the left common femoral vein lesion, a 16 mm × 90 mm stent was deployed. The venogram and intravascular ultrasound also showed a similar compression in the right common femoral vein. Another 400 mg IV nitrogen did not expand the lesion, so it was concluded that there was similarly an iatrogenic venous compression of the right common femoral vein, also due to acetabular hip screws in the right femur. A follow-up was scheduled a couple of weeks later to address the issue in the right common femoral vein. The underreported issue of iatrogenic venous compression following joint replacements highlights the need for better recognition and management of vascular complications due to inflammation and intimal proliferation. This is especially the case in high-risk patients, such as those with May-Thurner syndrome.

May-Thurner syndrome: A case of extensive unprovoked left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) also known as iliac vein compression syndrome, is a congenital anatomical variant, that results from the extrinsic compression of the left common iliac vein by the right iliac artery with resultant formation of left venous thrombosis. We report a case of a young man with recurrent unprovoked left lower extremity DVT in the setting of May Thurner syndrome who required endovascular intervention and was discharged on oral anticoagulation.

A comparative study of altered hemodynamics in iliac vein compression syndrome

Introduction: Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) is present in over 20% of the population and is associated with left leg pain, swelling, and thrombosis. IVCS symptoms are thought to be induced by altered pelvic hemodynamics, however, there currently exists a knowledge gap on the hemodynamic differences between IVCS and healthy patients. To elucidate those differences, we carried out a patient-specific, computational modeling comparative study. Methods: Computed tomography and ultrasound velocity and area data were used to build and validate computational models for a cohort of IVCS (N = 4, Subject group) and control (N = 4, Control group) patients. Flow, cross-sectional area, and shear rate were compared between the right common iliac vein (RCIV) and left common iliac vein (LCIV) for each group and between the Subject and Control groups for the same vessel. Results: For the IVCS patients, LCIV mean shear rate was higher than RCIV mean shear rate (550 ± 103 s-1 vs. 113 ± 48 s-1, p = 0.0009). Furthermore, LCIV mean shear rate was higher in the Subject group than in the Control group (550 ± 103 s-1 vs. 75 ± 37 s-1, p = 0.0001). Lastly, the LCIV/RCIV shear rate ratio was 4.6 times greater in the Subject group than in the Control group (6.56 ± 0.9 vs. 1.43 ± 0.6, p = 0.00008). Discussion: Our analyses revealed that IVCS patients have elevated shear rates which may explain a higher thrombosis risk and suggest that their thrombus initiation process may share aspects of arterial thrombosis. We have identified hemodynamic metrics that revealed profound differences between IVCS patients and Controls, and between RCIV and LCIV in the IVCS patients. Based on these metrics, we propose that non-invasive measurement of shear rate may aid with stratification of patients with moderate compression in which treatment is highly variable. More investigation is needed to assess the prognostic value of shear rate and shear rate ratio as clinical metrics and to understand the mechanisms of thrombus formation in IVCS patients.

Endovascular resolution of complete common iliac vein stenosis in a case of May-Thurner syndrome with underlying malignancy

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is an uncommon etiology of left common iliac vein thrombosis due to arterial compression. In this report, we describe a case of MTS with severe occlusion of the left common iliac vein in the context of a previously undiagnosed pancreatic cancer. We detail the endovascular resolution of the iliac vein compression and show long-term patency.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 33-year-old woman on oral contraceptive pills presented with extensive thrombosis of the left common iliac vein extending cephalad into the lower IVC and inferiorly to the femoral vein. The thrombus was refractory to therapeutic heparin. Mechanical thrombectomy removed the occluding thrombus. Intravenous ultrasound identified severe compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery. Angioplasty and stenting provided complete resolution of the lesion. Imaging and hematologic workup revealed a pancreatic malignancy and concomitant hypercoagulable state that likely precipitated the patient's presentation.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Endovascular intervention provided complete resolution of severe iliac vein compression. Patency was maintained at 6-month follow-up. Research suggests that the anatomical lesion predisposing individuals to MTS is relatively common despite infrequent occurrence of the syndrome. This case highlights the importance of a high clinical suspicion for associated hypercoagulable states when MTS is discovered.

CONCLUSION

There is limited research exploring the relationship between severity of iliac vein compression and endovascular treatment outcome. This case documents endovascular resolution of a severe lesion with maintained patency.

May-Thurner Syndrome: An Interesting Presentation of Recurrent, Unprovoked Deep Vein Thrombosis

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is a unique condition characterized by the compression of the left iliac vein by the right common iliac artery, which causes venous outflow obstruction and a high risk of venous sequelae. May-Thurner Syndrome is a condition that is primarily observed in females and is an uncommon cause of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The more common presentation of DVT is in the lower left extremity, although there have been cases of right-sided formation. In this case report, we present a patient with unprovoked, recurrent, left-sided deep vein thrombosis in a 70-year-old woman. The aim of this case report is to highlight this uncommon condition and to suggest consideration of MTS in the setting of a patient with recurrent unprovoked DVTs of the same extremity.

Endovascular Stenting for May-Thurner Syndrome: A Case Report

May-Thurner syndrome, also known as iliocaval compression syndrome, is a rare vascular condition that involves compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery. This compression can lead to venous stasis and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis in the left lower extremity. Treatment options range from conservative measures to endovascular procedures such as venous stenting. Here, we present the case of a 45-year-old female with a history of recurrent deep vein thrombosis in her left leg, who arrived at the emergency department with swelling, pain, and tenderness. She was on warfarin therapy for deep vein thrombosis management. Physical examination and laboratory investigations supported the diagnosis of acute deep vein thrombosis. Further investigations revealed May-Thurner syndrome, with the left common iliac vein being compressed by the right common iliac artery, leading to extensive thrombosis in the left lower extremity. Endovascular stenting was performed to relieve the obstruction and restore venous blood flow. The patient's symptoms improved after the stenting procedure, and she remained asymptomatic during follow-up with continued anticoagulation therapy. Awareness of May-Thurner syndrome is crucial, especially in patients with recurrent deep venous thrombosis and anatomical risk factors. Successful management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving anticoagulation therapy and endovascular stenting.

CT Findings of May-Thurner Syndrome in Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: A Case Report

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a rare cause of deep vein thrombosis. Several cases of MTS because of various causes have been reported. However, MTS due to osteophytes in patients with underlying diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) has not been reported in English literature, to the best of our knowledge. Here, we present the CT findings of MTS in patient with DISH.

Spontaneous Left External Iliac Vein Rupture

Spontaneous rupture of the Iliac Vein is very rare in practice. In over 90% of cases, the venous lesion is located on the left side. The exact etiology of this condition is unknown. Spontaneous injury of the iliac vein is thought to be favored by intense exercise, constipation, cough, labor, May-Thurner syndrome or pre-existing inflammatory changes in the venous wall are also implicated. We present the case of an 83-year-old woman who is brought to the Emergency Department for abdominal pain located in the left flank and in the left iliac fossa, which appeared after a medium physical exertion. After an emergency contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scan, the diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of the left external iliac vein is established. Surgery is performed with extreme urgency by retroperitoneal approach and due to the very precarious condition of the patient, venous ligation is done, wishing to perform a Palma-Dale venous bypass at a later time. Although a rare cause of spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma, a non-traumatic rupture of the common or external iliac vein should be considered in patients in shock with massive retroperitoneal bleeding, accompanied by a high mortality rate.

Seizures, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary emboli in a severe case of May–Thurner syndrome: a case report

Background

May–Thurner syndrome is a vascular disorder caused by the right common iliac artery compressing the left common iliac vein against the lumbar spine, causing distal venous stasis and potentially leading to fibrous change in the venous wall structure. Although May–Thurner syndrome is most commonly discovered in females upon investigation of new-onset deep vein thrombosis, we present the case of an otherwise healthy 29-year-old male with severe May–Thurner syndrome who presented with seizures, bilateral deep vein thrombosis, and diffuse pulmonary emboli. Seizures constituted the earliest presenting symptoms for the patient. Although it is difficult to prove that the patient’s seizures were related to the May–Thurner syndrome, this possible association renders this case extraordinary.

Case presentation

This report describes the case of a 29-year-old previously healthy white male with a severe case of left-sided May–Thurner syndrome that required extensive medical and interventional treatment. The patient experienced two seizures, one month apart, both of which occurred while residing at high altitude. The patient had no prior history of seizures, and epilepsy was ruled out. Three weeks after the second seizure, he presented to the emergency room with hemoptysis, dyspnea, and severe leg pain. Sites of thrombus were confirmed in both legs and diffusely in the lungs. Etiological work-up after treatment with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator revealed May–Thurner syndrome. Hematology workup including genetic testing showed no evidence of coagulopathy. Bilateral common iliac venous stents were placed to attempt definitive treatment. Despite stenting, the patient had another thrombotic event with associated sequelae after discontinuation of anticoagulation. The patient has not had another seizure since the stents were placed. Despite the negative testing, the patient remains on lifelong chemoprophylaxis in the event of an undiscovered hypercoagulopathy.

Conclusions

The care team theorizes that the seizures resulted from hypoxia due to May–Thurner syndrome-induced hemostasis and associated thrombotic events, the high-altitude location of his residence at the time he experienced the seizures, and shallow breathing during sleep. For patients with lower limb venous thrombosis, May–Thurner syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Endovascular treatment followed by extended prophylactic anticoagulation therapy until the patient is determined to be no longer at risk for thrombosis is recommended. Post-venoplasty thrombosis is a common complication of endovascular treatment of May–Thurner syndrome and should be carefully monitored.

May-Thurner Syndrome-a Rare Cause of Extensive Pelvic DVT, but Is there More to Know?

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is a rare anatomical variant characterized by the compression of the left common iliac artery by the right common iliac artery against the fifth lumbar vertebrae. It can present as acute or chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT), leg pain, varicosities, skin ulceration, and hyperpigmentation. In this case report, we present an interesting case of a young male with no obvious risk factors, who presented with back and left lower extremity pain later diagnosed with MTS on computed tomography angiography (CTA) and venogram. The patient was treated with venoplasty and pharmacomechanical thrombolysis and was discharged on apixaban.

Combined high-resolution 3D CUBE T1-weighted imaging and non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography for evaluation of vein stenosis in May-Thurner syndrome

PURPOSE

To explore the feasibility of high-resolution MRI 3-dimensional (3D) CUBE T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with non-contrast-enhanced (NCE) magnetic resonance venography (MRV) for the assessment of lumen stenosis in May-Thurner syndrome.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients underwent computed tomography venography (CTV) and high-resolution MRI-CUBE T1, and NCE MRV acquisitions. ANOVA and LSD tests were used to compare the stenosis rate and narrowest and distal diameters of the vessel lumen.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the estimated stenosis rate between CTV, CUBE T1, and NCE MRV (p = 0.768). However, there were significant differences in the measured stenosis diameters of the left common iliac vein (LCIV), with CTV giving the largest mean diameter and CUBE had the smallest mean diameter (p < 0.05). The measured normal LCIV diameters did not significantly differ between MRV and CUBE (p = 0.075) but were significantly larger on CTV than on MRV and CUBE (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with CTV, a combination of CUBE and MRV could provide an improved assessment of the degree of lumen stenosis in May-Thurner syndrome and demonstrate acute thrombosis. MRI underestimates the diameter of the vessel in comparison with CTV. MRI can be a substitute tool for Duplex ultrasound and CTV.

May-Thurner syndrome: A cause of unexplained unilateral leg edema

Physicians should be familiar with May-Thurner syndrome, characterized by the compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery and the vertebral body, resulting in pain and swelling of the left lower extremity and DVT. A 64-year-old woman presented with unexplained edema in the left lower extremity. Computed tomography with contrast enhancement revealed that the left common iliac vein was compressed and narrowed by the right common iliac artery and the vertebral body, leading to the diagnosis of May-Thurner syndrome.