Specialists Warn of Underdiagnosis of May-Thurner Syndrome, a Frequent Cause of Blood Clots in Young Women
Early detection and endovascular treatments can prevent serious complications such as pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome.
May-Thurner syndrome is a little-known but potentially serious vascular condition that can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg, particularly in young women. Specialists emphasize that early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications such as pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, and the development of pelvic and lower-limb varicose veins.
The condition occurs when the right common iliac artery compresses the left common iliac vein against the lumbosacral spine, impairing venous return and increasing the risk of blood clot formation. Although it may remain asymptomatic for years, it can also present with symptoms such as swelling (edema), heaviness, or varicose veins in the left leg. In many cases, the first warning sign is a deep vein thrombosis. In women, it may also be associated with pelvic varicose veins and chronic pelvic pain, which can worsen after pregnancy.
High resolution image. This link will open using lightbox, there may be a context switch"May-Thurner syndrome remains an underdiagnosed condition because many of its symptoms can be mistaken for more common venous disorders. However, identifying it early completely changes the patient's prognosis and makes it possible to prevent potentially life-threatening complications," explains Dr. Pablo Gallo González, Head of the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Unit at Hospital Ruber Internacional, part of the Quirónsalud Group.
Diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion, supported by imaging techniques such as venous Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and more specialized procedures including pelvic venography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), which allow direct visualization of the venous compression.
Treatment has advanced significantly in recent years thanks to minimally invasive endovascular therapies. The placement of a venous stent through angioplasty restores the normal diameter of the compressed vein, improves blood flow, and reduces the risk of recurrent thrombotic events.
"Today we have highly effective, minimally invasive techniques that can correct venous compression and significantly improve patients' quality of life. The real challenge is not the treatment itself, but making the diagnosis before permanent complications develop," adds Dr. Pablo Gallo.
Specialists also stress the importance of reducing risk factors such as prolonged immobility, particularly in individuals with a history of thrombosis or symptoms consistent with venous insufficiency in the left leg. They further recommend consulting a vascular specialist in cases of recurrent left-leg thrombosis or persistent venous symptoms with no apparent cause.
May-Thurner syndrome is one of the clearest examples of how modern vascular medicine can change the course of a disease when it is diagnosed early and managed through a personalized, multidisciplinary approach.
