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May-Thurner syndrome: old acquaintance, new perspective

Case report

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Summary

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) results from a frequent anatomic variant in which compression of the left common iliac vein between the body of the fifth lumbar vertebra and the pulsating right common iliac artery can cause deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the left lower limb. While anticoagulation remains the mainstay treatment of acute DVT, catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with stenting provides a safe and effective method for relieving acute symptoms and preventing postthrombotic syndrome in patients with MTS. In this article the diagnostic and treatment methods are presented in the case report of a 65-year-old woman with MTS who suffered iliofemoral DVT. Knowledge of anatomy is crucial for understanding and recognizing MTS as well as for treating MTS with endovascular procedures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Anja Boc MD, PhD & Matija Kozak

  2. Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Vinko Boc & Matija Kozak

Authors
  1. Anja Boc MD, PhD
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  2. Vinko Boc
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  3. Matija Kozak
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Correspondence to Anja Boc MD, PhD.

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A. Boc, V. Boc, and M. Kozak declare that they have no competing interests.

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Informed consent was obtained from the patient for being included in the case report.

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Boc, A., Boc, V. & Kozak, M. May-Thurner syndrome: old acquaintance, new perspective. Wien Klin Wochenschr 129, 362–365 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-017-1188-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-017-1188-9

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