May-Thurner syndrome: an uncommon and incidental finding in a postpartum female

Introduction

Virchow in year 1851, concluded that iliac and femoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was five times more prevalent in the left leg than in the right leg. May and Thurner in 1957 explained the biological variation of left common iliac vein (CIV). They discovered vascular wall thickening of left CIV at the point where it was traversed and squeezed by the overlying right common iliac artery (CIA) adjacent to the fifth lumbar vertebra [1]. Fifty per cent luminal narrowing of left CIV due to extrinsic pressure is noted in up to 25% of normal individuals, but chronic external pressure and pulsation may damage the endothelium of the vessel wall with resultant fibrosis of intima and formation of intraluminal venous webs, and channel spurs with subsequent intraluminal pressure changes proximal and distal to luminal narrowing [2]. This can further give rise to venous hypertension, stenosis, obstruction, and DVT in affected lower extremities [2,3].

Case description

The study presents a case of a 34-year-old postpartum female with history of left lower limb pain and oedema from the last 3-4 months. There was no history of smoking, and the patient had no symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism. Colour Doppler of the left lower limb was performed. It showed patent lumen of deep veins with sluggish blood flow. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis was done to rule out any extrinsic compression or intraluminal thrombus in iliac veins and vena cava. No intraluminal thrombus was noted; however, there was an incidental finding of left CIV narrowing as it passed under the right CIA adjacent to the fifth lumbar vertebra. Prominent collateral vessels were seen arising from the right internal iliac vein and supplying the left internal iliac and CIV (Figure 1).

Figure 1

A) Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) axial scan shows compression of left common iliac vein (red arrow) between right common iliac artery (black arrow) and vertebral body. B) CECT axial and C) coronal scans show venous collaterals (black arrow) in the pelvis posterior to pubic symphysis (axial scan) and inferior to urinary bladder (coronal scan)

Discussion

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) or iliac vein compression syndrome is caused due to compression of the left CIV by the right CIA, resulting in increased likelihood of DVT in the left lower limb [1,4,5]. The estimated risk of MTS is 2-5% in patients evaluated for lower limb venous disorders [5]. The mechanisms of narrowing of the left CIV by right CIA are as follows: the first is the anatomical position with resultant physical entrapment of the left CIV, and the second is due to chronic pulsatile compression of the right CIA leading to intimal hypertrophy of the left CIV [6]. MTS is associated with the following:

These may be directly associated with MTS or may increase the likelihood that asymptomatic MTS will progress to symptomatic MTS [7,8,9-13].

Clinical features of MTS are as follows: acute or chronic unilateral left leg swelling, pain, and skin discoloration. Serious complications include pulmonary embolism, iliac vein rupture, and phlegmasia cerulea dolens [14].

CECT scan is a readily available radiological modality for interpretation of MTS and its accompanying consequences. Venous compression, thrombosis, and collateral vessels are easily visualised on the venous phase of contrast CT. Lower limb oedema, venous congestion, collateral vessels, and surrounding inflammation are characteristic [2]. After the start of intravenous contrast injection, a scan delay of approximately 90-100 seconds is advised for excellent enhancement of iliac vessels in the venous phase [15].

Conclusions

MTS must be taken into differentials in young/middle aged females with unilateral left lower limb pain and swelling. Delay in diagnosis can lead to serious complications like venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. CECT is of great importance to diagnose the disease in its early phases because it provides high-quality venous phase images. It can diagnose intravascular thrombus, extrinsic compression by vessel or mass lesion, and collateral formation.

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.