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Might-Thurner syndrome got here into the highlight this week when the election marketing campaign for Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) introduced that she had been identified with the situation, which may have an effect on blood move. The hard-right congresswoman was hospitalized after experiencing “extreme swelling in her higher left leg” and underwent surgical procedure to take away an acute blood clot and insert a stent, her marketing campaign stated Tuesday. She is predicted to make a full restoration.
The syndrome isn’t identified, however the vein compression that causes it’s current in about 1 in 5 individuals, in line with some estimates. Right here’s what to know.
What’s Might-Thurner syndrome?
Might-Thurner syndrome happens when the left iliac vein — which carries blood from the left leg again to the center — is compressed by the appropriate iliac artery the place they cross within the pelvis, in line with the Cleveland Clinic. This makes it tougher for blood to move again to the center and may end up in deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot kinds within the deep veins, normally within the legs.
Such clots could 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 Might-Thurner syndrome don’t expertise signs. The situation is extra widespread in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 who’ve been pregnant, in line with the College of Maryland Medical Middle.
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 grow to be extra frequent, and there’s hypothesis it might be extra prevalent “than usually perceived,” in line with a 2020 paper by researchers from the College of Minnesota.
Might-Thurner syndrome is often known as iliac vein compression syndrome or Cockett syndrome, after one of many researchers who first reported on the situation in dwelling sufferers.
What causes Might-Thurner syndrome?
Specialists aren’t certain why such vein compression occurs, in line with the Cleveland Clinic.
The 2020 paper means that one purpose for underdiagnosis of the situation could possibly be that individuals might not be symptomatic till “provoked by cases of elevated hypercoagulability,” or elevated tendency to type blood clots, reminiscent of throughout journey or postpartum.
Associated threat components embody being pregnant, the usage of oral contraceptives, current surgical procedure and trauma to the veins, in line with Northwell Well being.
What are the signs of Might-Thurner syndrome?
Signs embody swelling, emotions of fullness or heaviness in legs or ft; venous ulcers; and varicose veins, in line with the College of Pittsburgh Medical Middle. Signs normally happen within the left leg, per the Cleveland Clinic, and might embody pores and skin discoloration and ache.
An imaging check reminiscent of a CT scan or an MRI is normally used to diagnose the situation.
Therapy is dependent upon signs and might embody the usage of blood thinners, compression stockings, stenting or thrombolysis, which makes use of drugs to interrupt down clots. Surgical procedure may additionally 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.
