# Unmasking May-Thurner Syndrome: A Case Report of Massive Deep Vein Thrombosis

**Authors:** Khalid A Alshehri, Adnan A Bahashwan, Abdulaziz Y Fakieha, Hatem E Alkhamisi, Mohammed M Albladi

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56979 · Cureus · 2024-03-26

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare cause of deep vein thrombosis in a woman with no risk factors, highlighting the importance of considering anatomical issues like May-Thurner syndrome.

## Contribution

The paper presents a rare clinical case of May-Thurner syndrome causing deep vein thrombosis without traditional risk factors.

## Key findings

- A 42-year-old woman with no medical history developed left leg symptoms due to massive deep vein thrombosis.
- Imaging confirmed May-Thurner syndrome as the underlying cause of the thrombosis.
- Treatment with anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and stent placement led to improvement and no recurrence.

## Abstract

Deep venous thrombosis is a significant medical condition that results in life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism. Various factors can contribute to the formation of deep venous thrombosis, including prolonged immobility, surgery, and specific health conditions. May-Thurner syndrome is an underrecognized cause of deep venous thrombosis due to the compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery. It poses diagnostic challenges due to its varied clinical presentations. This report discusses a 42-year-old female with no notable medical history who presented with acute onset of left leg swelling, pain, and discoloration. Despite the absence of common risk factors for deep venous thrombosis, investigations revealed a massive left-sided deep venous thrombosis. Additional imaging studies revealed the diagnosis of May-Thurner syndrome, manifesting as significant compression of the left common iliac vein. The patient underwent anticoagulation therapy, catheter-directed thrombolysis, and stent placement, resulting in symptomatic improvement and no recurrence over a six-month follow-up period. This case underscores the necessity of considering anatomical variations like May-Thurner syndrome in patients with unexplained deep venous thrombosis, particularly without typical risk factors. It highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including advanced imaging techniques, to uncover underlying causes of deep venous thrombosis.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** pulmonary embolism (MONDO:0005279), May-Thurner syndrome (MONDO:0043361)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** May-Thurner Syndrome (MESH:D062108), Deep Vein Thrombosis (MESH:D020246), left leg swelling (MESH:D004487), pain (MESH:D010146), discoloration (MESH:D014075), pulmonary embolism (MESH:D011655)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

5 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11045298/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11045298