May-Thurner Syndrome

A hidden condition that can go
undetected even with advanced imaging

What is May-Thurner Syndrome?

There are two main blood vessels in your legs – the iliac vein and iliac artery. May-Thurner Syndrome is a condition that causes the right iliac artery to press against the left iliac vein in the pelvis, narrowing the vessel. Often, there are no symptoms. The reduced blood flow can cause clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

The condition is very hard to diagnose, even with MRIs and CT scans. Here at Virtue, we’re able to use venograms (contrast dye x-rays) and intravascular ultrasound to properly diagnose the condition.

Symptoms of May-Thurner Syndrome

Pain, swelling, tenderness
Throbbing in the lower leg, usually worse on the left
Potentially lower back pain
Sensation of warmth
Skin discoloration, especially at the ankles
One leg is larger than the other
Varicose veins in the pelvic area

Advanced Treatment Options

Fortunately, May-Thurner Syndrome is easy to treat. Using our intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), we locate the affected area, and insert a tiny balloon to open the vein and restore blood flow. We insert a small stent or metal mesh tube to keep it open.

Outcomes are excellent for this procedure, especially when performed early, before blood clots form.

Concerned You May Have May-Thurner Syndrome?

Many people don’t realize they have May-Thurner Syndrome until it leads to DVT. We can screen for DVT with an MRI or CT scan.

Get Treated Sooner

Because we’re highly specialized, with seven treatment locations in the St. Louis area, we’re able to schedule your exam and treatment much sooner than other facilities. Call us at 314-849-0923 or complete this contact form to get started.

Schedule a Consultation

What To Expect

Consultation

Dr. Krikorain will examine your legs and feet. We’ll provide shorts to wear during the exam, if needed. You may have an ultrasound, also known as a VRS (venous reflux study), and we may schedule you for further testing.

Procedures

Treatment for May-Thurner Syndrome will be stent placement at one of our outpatient surgery centers.

Recovery

You will have 3-5 days of lifting restrictions, and we’ll prescribe a blood thinner short term.

After my stress test was normal, Dr. Krikorian explained that the test was around 70% accurate and that I should pay close attention to my body for any warning signs. A few weeks later I was exercising when my energy was zapped in less than 10 minutes and I had a pain under the sternum. I called Dr. Krikorian and he scheduled a cardiac catheterization the next day. He said I showed no sign of a heart attack but he found a 99% blockage in the circumflex artery, which he opened with a stent. I am grateful that he explained possible warning signs and then responded quickly with the catheterization and stent.

Dr. Krikorian performed a laser ablation to treat the vein disease in my right leg. I didn’t even realize how much my left leg hurt from varicose veins until he fixed my right leg! I thought the treatment would be painful, so I was so pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t.

My daughter could not believe how good my legs looked! She is going to see Dr. Krikorian too. I was completely satisfied with my treatment and am no longer in pain. The result is fantastic and I highly recommend going to see Dr. Krikorian if you are experiencing any leg pain.

I had suffered with varicose veins for years. I recently went to see Dr. Krikorian at Virtue Vein & Lymphatic Center where he told me everything I needed to know about vein disease and the treatment options. He performed a laser ablation on my diseased vein, and I was able to resume my normal activity the day after my procedure!

Dr. Krikorian is a busy man, but he will take the time necessary to really listen to you and figure out what the problem is. Most doctors these days seem to be talking to the computer, and not the person. Well, here it is the other way around.