May-Thurner Syndrome: A Case Report and a Concise Review

Abstract

We report a case of a 31-year-oldman who presented to the hospital with extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE) after a recent trauma and prolonged immobilization. He underwent contrast venography that revealed features of May-Thurner syndrome (MTS). He was managed with therapeutic anticoagulation, inferior vena cava filter placement, mechanical clot aspiration, catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy, and left common iliac vein stenting. MTS is a vascular condition caused by the compression of the left common iliac vein by an overlying right common iliac artery against a vertebral body. This results in indolent endothelial changes secondary to the pulsating nearby artery as well as the compression increasing the susceptibility to venous thrombosis. Females are thought to be more prone to the condition due to the nature of their pelvic anatomy. Most patients are asymptomatic or present with unspecific symptoms, rendering the condition underdiagnosed. The gold standard diagnostic modality is contrast venography that reveals collaterals and a pressure gradient greater than 2 mmHg at rest across the stenotic region. Treatment is revolved around the removal of the thrombus along with the correction of the anatomical defect through interventional or surgical treatment to prevent a recurrence. Untreated MTS complicated with DVT carries a risk of potentially life-threatening complications, such as PE, iliac vein rupture, retroperitoneal hematoma, or refractory DVT that is difficult to treat. Due to the chronicity of this syndrome, its management plan differs from that of other causes of DVT. Proper identification of MTS carries a positive outcome in treating DVT secondary to MTS. Here we are going to discuss a case diagnosed with MTS complicated by saddle PE outlying the possible pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnostic tools, and management of complicated MTS.