A blood clot in the veins may partially or completely block blood flow. May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is a condition that may lead to the development of such blood clots. This happens when the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein, increasing the chance of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
While deep vein thrombosis may not be life threatening, Veniti and health experts say that it can pose a high risk if the blood clot breaks and travels to the blood vessels of the lungs. To avoid such risks, treatment for symptoms is necessary.
The Relationship between May-Thurner Syndrome (MST) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Once the iliac artery compresses the iliac vein, the vein may become narrow and sometimes develop a scar. As a result, swelling and leg pain may occur. Constraints on the iliac vein may increase the risk of a blot clot, a condition that can obstruct blood flow.
In some patients, however, the symptoms are not evident even when there is a considerable constraint on the iliac vein. The condition is sometimes detected only when a patient presents symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, such as leg pain, prominent leg veins, tenderness, and swelling.
Treatment of May-Thurner Syndrome (MST)
Treatment of this condition is intended to relieve present and prevent other complications. If the narrowing is discovered yet causes no symptom, no treatment is necessary. When DVT is present, anticoagulation medication may be offered for blood thinning to discourage clotting. Stenting is also an important procedure, which can achieve a significant improvement of the symptoms.
Many people with narrowing of iliac vein could still be unaware if no symptoms are available. As a result, swelling and pain in the legs should not be ignored, as it could be an indication of DVT due to May-Thurner Syndrome.