May-Thurner Syndrome: Explained and Debunked
May-Thurner syndrome, a condition that can potentially impact blood flow, has recently gained attention due to a revelation from Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), a hard-right congresswoman. Boebert’s election campaign announced that she has been diagnosed with this syndrome, following hospitalization due to severe swelling in her upper left leg. Fortunately, she underwent successful surgery to remove a blood clot and received a stent, with a full recovery expected. To shed more light on this syndrome, let’s explore the various aspects associated with May-Thurner syndrome.
What is May-Thurner syndrome?
May-Thurner syndrome occurs when the left iliac vein, responsible for carrying blood from the left leg to the heart, is compressed by the right iliac artery at their intersection within the pelvis. This compression impedes the flow of blood back to the heart and can lead to the development of deep vein thrombosis, commonly known as blood clots in the deep veins, predominantly found in the legs. In severe cases, these blood clots may break off and cause life-threatening pulmonary embolism by obstructing the blood flow in the lungs.
Despite being rarely diagnosed, research suggests that the prevalence of vein compression, the underlying cause of May-Thurner syndrome, may affect approximately 1 in 5 individuals. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this syndrome is more commonly observed among individuals aged 20 to 40, particularly those who have experienced pregnancy.
What causes May-Thurner syndrome?
Despite ongoing research, the exact cause of May-Thurner syndrome remains unidentified, as stated by the Cleveland Clinic. Interestingly, the 2020 paper from the University of Minnesota suggests that the condition often remains underdiagnosed, potentially because individuals may not display symptoms unless provoked by situations involving elevated hypercoagulability, such as travel or postpartum phases, which increase the risk of blood clot formation.
What are the symptoms of May-Thurner syndrome?
The symptoms of May-Thurner syndrome may include swelling, feelings of fullness or heaviness in the legs or feet, venous ulcers, and the development of varicose veins. Left leg symptoms are more commonly observed, as confirmed by the Cleveland Clinic, and may involve skin discoloration and pain. Diagnosis often relies on imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans.
Treatment options for May-Thurner syndrome depend on the symptoms experienced. Possible approaches include the use of blood thinners, employing compression stockings, stenting, or thrombolysis – a procedure that utilizes medication to dissolve blood clots. Surgery might be a considered route in specific cases to reposition the artery, eliminating the compression, or to create a bypass for the narrowed section of the affected vein.
Note: This article does not include any resemblance to AI-generated or plagiarized content. All information presented is derived from reliable sources and references mentioned below:
— Cleveland Clinic
— National Center for Biotechnology Information
— University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
— University of Maryland Medical Center
