The syndrome is hardly ever recognized, however the vein compression that causes it’s current in about 1 in 5 individuals, in keeping with some estimates. Right here’s what to know.
What’s Could-Thurner syndrome?
Could-Thurner syndrome happens when the left iliac vein — which carries blood from the left leg again to the guts — is compressed by the precise iliac artery the place they cross within the pelvis, in keeping with the Cleveland Clinic. This makes it tougher for blood to move again to the guts and may end up in deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot kinds within the deep veins, often within the legs.
Such clots might break unfastened and get caught within the lungs, blocking blood move in what is called a pulmonary embolism, which might be life-threatening.
Many individuals who’ve Could-Thurner syndrome don’t expertise signs. The situation is extra frequent in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 who’ve been pregnant, in keeping with the College of Maryland Medical Heart.
Whereas the syndrome was initially presumed to be uncommon when it was anatomically outlined in 1957 by the researchers it’s named after, stories have change into extra frequent, and there may be hypothesis it might be extra prevalent “than typically perceived,” in keeping with a 2020 paper by researchers from the College of Minnesota.
Could-Thurner syndrome is also called iliac vein compression syndrome or Cockett syndrome, after one of many researchers who first reported on the situation in residing sufferers.
What causes Could-Thurner syndrome?
Consultants aren’t positive why such vein compression occurs, in keeping with the Cleveland Clinic.
The 2020 paper suggests that one motive for underdiagnosis of the situation could possibly be that individuals is probably not symptomatic till “provoked by situations of elevated hypercoagulability,” or elevated tendency to kind blood clots, resembling throughout journey or postpartum.
Associated danger elements embrace being pregnant, the usage of oral contraceptives, current surgical procedure and trauma to the veins, in accordance to Northwell Well being.
What are the signs of Could-Thurner syndrome?
Signs embrace swelling, emotions of fullness or heaviness in legs or toes; venous ulcers; and varicose veins, in keeping with the College of Pittsburgh Medical Heart. Signs often happen within the left leg, per the Cleveland Clinic, and might embrace pores and skin discoloration and ache.
An imaging take a look at resembling a CT scan or an MRI is often used to diagnose the situation.
Remedy is dependent upon signs and might embrace the usage of blood thinners, compression stockings, stenting or thrombolysis, which makes use of medication to interrupt down clots. Surgical procedure might also be utilized in some circumstances to reposition the artery to keep away from compression or to bypass the a part of the vein that has been narrowed.
