Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome (Including May-Thurner Syndrome)
Iliac vein compression syndrome is a condition that results when the iliac veins, the large veins in the pelvis, are compressed. This can cause problems with blood flow from the legs to the heart.
There are two main types of iliac vein compression syndrome: May – Thurner syndrome and pelvic congestion syndrome.
May – Thurner syndrome is caused by the compression of the left iliac vein by the right iliac artery. This can lead to blood clots, which can block blood flow and cause pain and swelling in the leg.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is caused by the compression of veins in the pelvis, which can lead to pain and swelling in the area. It is more common in women than in men.
Treatment for iliac vein compression syndrome may include lifestyle changes, such as wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding constrictive clothing. However, in some case surgery may be needed. There are non surgical alternatives that we will discuss below and that Imaging and Interventional Specialists can discuss with you.
What are the Symptoms of May Thurner Syndrome?
The most common symptom of May Thurner syndrome is pain in the left leg, especially when walking or standing. This pain is caused by blood clots that form in the iliac vein. These clots can block blood flow and cause swelling.
Other symptoms include:
- Aching or cramping in the leg
- Swelling in the leg
- Redness or discoloration of the skin
- Warmth in the affected area
- Varicose veins
What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
The most common symptom of pelvic congestion syndrome is chronic pelvic pain. This pain is caused by the compression of veins in the pelvis.
Other symptoms include:
- Aching or cramping in the leg
- Swelling in the leg
- Varicose veins
What Causes May Thurner Syndrome and Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
May Thurner syndrome is caused by the compression of the left iliac vein by the right iliac artery. This can lead to blood clots, which can block blood flow and cause pain and swelling in the leg.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is caused by the compression of veins in the pelvis, which can lead to pain and swelling in the area. It is more common in women than in men.
How are May Thurner Syndrome and Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Diagnosed?
At Imaging and Interventional Specialists, May Thurner syndrome and pelvic congestion syndrome are diagnosed by taking a history, if needed a physical exam, and imaging tests. Imaging tests are a key diagnostic test.
Imaging tests that may be used to diagnose May Thurner syndrome or pelvic congestion syndrome include:
- Doppler ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI
- Venography
For Imaging and Interventional Specialists Doppler ultrasound is a key and our highly trained in-house ultrasonographers are very experienced with these syndromes.
How are May Thurner Syndrome and Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treated?
Treatment for May Thurner syndrome and pelvic congestion syndrome may include lifestyle changes, such as wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding constrictive clothing. In some cases, surgery may be needed. Surgery is typically done to relieve the pressure on the iliac vein or to remove a blood clot.
What are Non Surgical Alternatives for May Thurner Syndrome?
Non surgical alternatives for May Thurner Syndrome that can be performed at Imaging and Interventional Specialists include:
- Intravenous ultrasound is often used to precisely measure the size of the iliac veins to determine whether they are narrowed and where. This makes treatment planning simple.
- Iliac Vein Stenting – A stent is a small, metal tube that is placed in the iliac vein to keep it open. This procedure is done using local anesthesia as a simple, same-day procedure.
- Iliac Vein Balloon Angioplasty – A balloon angioplasty is a procedure to widen a narrowed or blocked blood vessel. A balloon is inflated in the iliac vein to open the vessel. This procedure is done using local anesthesia.
What are Non Surgical Alternatives for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
For pelvic congestion syndrome, non surgical treatments may include:
- Compression stockings
- Pain medication
- Hormone therapy
- Surgery
At Imaging and Interventional Specialists, we offer non-surgical image-guided treatments as an alternative to surgery that can effectively treat pelvic congestion syndrome. These procedures are done using local anesthesia. These include:
- Sclerotherapy- Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves the injection of a solution into the pelvic veins. This solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and close.
- Foam sclerotherapy- Foam sclerotherapy is a type of sclerotherapy that uses a special foam instead of a liquid to treat veins. The foam is injected into the veins and helps to close them.
- Coil embolization – Tiny, specialized coils are placed in your ovarian veins to prevent reflux. Reflux causes the ovarian veins to swell – like varicose veins in the legs – leading to pain.
Why Choose Imaging & Interventional Specialists?
Imaging & Interventional Specialists are leaders in interventional radiology and experts in the non-surgical procedures that will address your May Thurner syndrome or pelvic congestion syndrome.
Our physicians perform “pinhole” procedures every day offering this region’s leading, world-class, state-of-the-art solutions for May Thurner syndrome and pelvic congestion syndome. Our non-surgical image-guided procedures are cutting-edge technology without the cutting, without the scalpel. You leave with a Band-Aid!
At Imaging & Interventional Specialists board-certified physicians offer in-house testing for diagnosis and to develop an individualized treatment program for your hemorrhoids May Thurner syndrome and/or pelvic congestion syndrome.