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What is May-Thurner syndrome?
Republican congresswoman Lauren Boebert has been diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome (MTS), a rare condition that affects women more than men. Medics say May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is not necessarily dangerous in itself but can lead to complications and health risks. The condition is caused by a problem involving the right iliac artery and the left iliac vein, which naturally cross over each other in the pelvis. MTS results when the artery squeezes the vein, resulting in reduced blood flow in that vessel. This may not lead to any symptoms at all, and some people do not know they have the condition, leading the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) to describe it as “clinically silent.”
Reduced blood flow can increase the risk of blood clot formation, which can cause a blockage with potentially fatal consequences. MTS often presents itself through pain or cramps in a person’s arm or leg, accompanied by swelling or a discoloration of the skin. Veins can appear more pronounced. Diagnosis may be confirmed following a CT scan, as was the case with Ms. Boebert. May-Thurner syndrome makes it harder for blood to flow back to your heart. Sometimes it pools in the legs and can develop into deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What causes May-Thurner syndrome?
The short answer to what causes MTS is that doctors do not know, but they believe it affects certain groups more than others and is more common than the number of people diagnosed would suggest. Ms. Boebert’s team pointed out that “women between the ages of 20 and 45 who have given birth are also more likely to have May-Thurner syndrome.” This is consistent with advice provided by the Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit medical center that runs several hospitals in the US.
How is the condition treated?
Many people with MTS do not seek treatment as the condition does not present them with any problems that prompt them to do so. Options available to medics include inserting a stent, a small tube that keeps the compressed vein open, or other surgery to restore typical blood flow. People with MTS experiencing blood clots may be given medication in an attempt to bthemthose up. Those with mild symptoms might be advised by their doctor to wear compression socks on their lower legs to improve blood flow.
Because the cause of the syndrome is unknown, there is no definite way to prevent it, but the Cleveland Clinic has general advice for improving blood flow and reducing the risk of clots. It recommends avoiding long periods of sitting, not smoking, exercising regularly, and drinking water.
Who is more likely to be affected by May-Thurner syndrome?
May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a rare condition that affects women more than men. Medics say May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is not necessarily dangerous in itself but can lead to complications and health risks.
How is May-Thurner syndrome treated?
Because the cause of the syndrome is unknown, there is no definite way to prevent it, but the Cleveland Clinic has general advice for improving blood flow and reducing the risk of clots. It recommends avoiding long periods of sitting, not smoking, exercising regularly, and drinking water.
Ms. Boebert’s recovery
A doctor who treated Ms. Boebert said, “The surgery was successful, and she is expected to make a full recovery. Patients with May-Thurner syndrome who undergo the procedure to restore blood flow are able to live and work just as they have in the past after a brief recovery.”. Ms. Boebert herself thanked the staff at the UC Health Medical Center of the Rockies “For their great care and providing helpful insight on my recent diagnosis.”.
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