MTS Q & A
May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a condition that occurs when the main artery in your right leg (right iliac artery) compresses the primary vein in your left leg (left iliac vein). Also known as iliac vein compression syndrome, MTS causes blood to flow abnormally in the left iliac vein.
This pressure on the left iliac vein increases your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg. DVT is a blood clot that reduces or completely blocks the flow of blood through the affected vein.
You may not have any symptoms of MST unless it causes a blood clot. In that case, you may experience symptoms of DVT, including:
- Heaviness in the leg
- Skin discoloration
- Leg swelling or redness
- Leg pain or tenderness
- Enlarged veins
DVT from MTS may also lead to venous insufficiency. Symptoms of venous insufficiency include:
- Leg pain and swelling
- Increased skin discoloration
- Leg ulcers are known as venous stasis ulcers
Though DVT isn’t a life-threatening condition on its own, the blood clot may break free and move through your vascular system. If the clot becomes trapped in the blood vessels of your lung, Deep Vein Thrombosis may lead to a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency that can be fatal.
The fact that MTS typically doesn’t cause symptoms makes this condition difficult to diagnose. The highly trained team at *** Clinic begins with a thorough review of your medical history and physical exam.
If they suspect MTS is causing your DVT or venous insufficiency, your provider may take tests, such as a vascular ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis. Then, they develop an individualized treatment plan to relieve your particular symptoms and prevent complications.
Depending on your needs, treatment for MTS may include:
- Taking blood-thinning medications
- Minimally invasive surgery such as angioplasty or stenting
- Other surgical procedures such as repositioning the right iliac artery
After treatment, the team at *** Clinic may recommend a follow-up ultrasound to monitor your improvement.
If you have symptoms of DVT or think you may have MTS, call *** Clinic or book an appointment online today.