May-Thurner Syndrome

Authors

Ashley Droege, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Urgent Care

Advisor

Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is an anatomical and pathological variant that is recognized as a frequent cause of lower extremity swelling and is a precipitating factor for thromboembolism.¹ May, and Thurner first described the MTS anatomy in 1957,⁶ an anatomical variant thought to be present at birth caused by the compression of the left iliofemoral vein by the right common iliac artery after it originated from the abdominal aorta but before the iliofemoral junction.^3,5 MTS is thought to cause 2%-5% of all DVTs, but it is thought that could be much higher as the prevalence of MTS is not well known and often not considered when diagnosing a DVT.⁵ It is essential that MTS be known as DVTs are a major preventable cause of morbidity and when associated with PE also mortality.⁴ Virchow’s Triad implicates three contributing factors in the formation of thrombosis: venous stasis, vascular injury, and hypercoagulability.⁴ This triad can be found in those with MTS.

Recommended Citation

Droege A. May-Thurner Syndrome. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(4).