# May-Thurner Syndrome, a Frequently Overlooked Cause of Iliofemoral Vein Thrombosis

**Authors:** David Sabat, Alyson Skelly, Alejandro Biglione

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.80212 · Cureus · 2025-03-07

## TL;DR

The paper presents a case of May-Thurner syndrome causing deep vein thrombosis and highlights the effectiveness of interventional treatment.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in emphasizing MTS as an overlooked cause of DVT and showcasing successful interventional management.

## Key findings

- A 72-year-old female with left lower extremity DVT was diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome.
- Interventional treatment including thrombectomy and stenting led to rapid symptom resolution.
- The case highlights the importance of recognizing anatomical causes in DVT patients.

## Abstract

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) involves the compression of the left iliofemoral vein by the right common iliac artery against the vertebral body, creating an environment conducive to venous stasis and endothelial injury, which predisposes patients to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Although often asymptomatic, MTS can present with lower extremity swelling and claudication. We present a case of a 72-year-old female who developed extensive left lower extremity DVT. Imaging studies, including Doppler ultrasound and venography, confirmed the diagnosis of MTS with significant vessel occlusion. Treatment involved mechanical thrombectomy, angioplasty, and iliac vein stenting. The patient demonstrated rapid symptom resolution post-procedure and was discharged on anticoagulation therapy. This case underscores the importance of recognizing anatomical factors like MTS in patients with DVT and highlights the role of interventional management in preventing complications.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** May-Thurner syndrome (MONDO:0043361)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Vein Thrombosis (MESH:D012170), DVT (MESH:D020246), venous stasis (MESH:D054070), swelling (MESH:D004487), endothelial injury (MESH:D057772), vessel occlusion (MESH:C536223), claudication (MESH:D007383), MTS (MESH:D062108)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11972591/full.md

## References

9 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11972591/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11972591