May-Thurner syndrome: case report and review of the literature involving modern endovascular therapy

Abstract

May-Thurner syndrome is a rare clinical entity involving venous obstruction of the left lower extremity. Obstruction occurs secondary to compression of the left common iliac vein between the right common iliac artery and the underlying vertebral body. Current management largely involves endovascular therapy. A review was conducted of six studies containing at least five patients with May-Thurner syndrome treated by endovascular therapy. We compiled data on 113 patients, analyzing patient demographics, treatment details, and outcome. An 18-year-old female presented 1 week after the onset of left lower extremity pain and swelling. Duplex ultrasonography revealed extensive left-sided deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Thrombolysis followed by iliac vein stent placement restored patency to the venous system, with subsequent resolution of symptoms. Review of 113 patients revealed that the majority were females (72%) presenting with DVT (77%), most of which was acute in onset (73%). Therapy consisted of catheter-directed thrombolysis and subsequent stent placement in the majority of patients, resulting in a mean technical success of 95% and a mean 1-year patency of 96%. Endovascular therapy is the current mainstay of treatment for May-Thurner syndrome. Review of the current literature supports treatment via catheter-directed thrombolysis followed by stent placement with good early results.