With sites like Web M.D. and other medical self-diagnostic tools now readily available online it can seem like you don’t really need a doctor anymore. While there is a wide array of very good solid information out there, the problem is that when you enter your symptoms it can bring up a huge nonspecific list of everything possible from the common cold to emergency life-threatening condition.  All you often can deduce is that you should either get more rest and take an aspirin or you are on the verge of death. It is very confusing, not very helpful, and possibly dangerous to count on.

This is especially true when symptoms presenting may involve your cardiovascular system. That is why we never recommend self-diagnosis. Leave it to the professional Vein Specialists and Cardiologists, such as those at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates of Tampa Bay, Florida.

Today’s focus is May Thurner Syndrome.

May Thurner Syndrome is a genetic affliction. It is an anatomical mutation where the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein against the fifth lumbar vertebra. The result can be DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) (a blood clot) in the left iliofemoral.

Symptoms of May Thurner Syndrome

This affliction presents itself as left leg edema and pain in the calf, ankle, and foot. It is usually seen in younger women often in the case of pregnancy or bed rest. Because May Thurner is a chronic condition, patients over time have changes to that leg including changes in veins – producing varicose veins, pigmentation changes, leg pain, phlebitis and ulcerations of the skin.

It is diagnosed by way of a CT scan or MRI. It is treatable once found. Treatment is directed at clearing out the blood clots and correcting the incorrect compression. There are several different surgical procedures which may be employed.

Should you ignore the signs?

While of course, you can ignore pretty much any medical condition we certainly do not recommend it. Left untreated many patients will go on to develop post-thrombotic syndrome which is debilitating.

Endovascular therapy is currently the primary treatment. With early recognition and treatment, May-Thurner syndrome is now a manageable disease.

If you suspect you may have May Thurner Syndrome or any other vein related issues, we invite you to do a consultation with the expert staff at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates in their Vein Clinic.

You may visit online at WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM or call directly at 1-813-975-2800.