May-Thurner syndrome is an anatomical variant where the right iliac artery overlies and compresses the left iliac vein against the lumbar spine. The left iliac vein is the main vein in the left leg that carries blood to the heart. The right iliac artery is the main artery in the right leg that delivers blood to the right leg. May-Thurner syndrome can cause blood to flow abnormally, carrying potentially serious health risks. Although often undiagnosed, recent studies indicate that this condition may be present in over 20% of the population.
Those with May-Thurner syndrome may not experience any symptoms at all. However, others may have symptoms such as pain, swelling, heaviness, skin changes, and varicose veins or spider veins due to impaired blood flow. More serious complications may include leg ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and the risk of a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Women may also develop chronic pelvic pain from a condition known as pelvic congestion syndrome. In fact, studies show that May-Thurner syndrome occurs at least twice as often in women as in men.
If you have symptoms of May-Thurner syndrome, a specialist vein doctor can work closely with you to diagnose your condition and advise you on the best ways to treat and manage it. A varicose vein specialist can use imaging tests to help see any narrowing in the left iliac vein.
Treating May-Thurner syndrome focuses on improving the blood flow in the left iliac vein to help relieve symptoms and lower the risk of developing leg ulcers, DVT, and pulmonary embolism.
If you would like more information regarding May-Thurner syndrome, please contact the Goldman Vein Institute today at one of our two convenient locations: Jupiter 561-625-9853 or Wellington 561-790-4550 or visit us at www.goldmanveininstitute.com.
At the Goldman Vein Institute, our mission is to provide our patients with comprehensive care for varicose veins, spider veins, and other conditions caused by venous insufficiency. Our highly-qualified and experienced, board-certified vein specialists, Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese-Goldman, combine their extensive knowledge and experience, with the latest innovations in vein treatments.
With our offices in Jupiter and Wellington Florida, the Goldman Vein Institute serves patients from Stuart, Hobe Sound, Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Hialeah, Sunny Isles, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Aventura, Surfside, Hallandale, and Hollywood, and we welcome patients across South Florida to visit our state-of-the-art vein centers, where we provide the latest in vein treatment technology.
