May-Thurner Syndrome and Recurrent DVT: A Case Report

Abstract

May-Thurner syndrome/Cockets syndrome/ileocaval syndrome is a rarely diagnosed, anatomical and pathologically variable condition, causing venous flow obstruction in iliocaval territory. We report a case of 64 year old male patient who presented with unprovoked proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of left lower limb. Evaluated for hypercoagulable state, which was negative, the patient underwent catheter guided thrombolysis and anticoagulation for 6 months. Two years later, he developed left lower limb swelling, and venous doppler revealed acute DVT; CT venogram was consistent with left common iliac vein compression by right common iliac artery suggestive of May-Thurner syndrome. Catheter-guided thrombolysis was done, and percutaneous transluminal peripheral angioplasty/stent was placed from inferior vena cava to left common iliac vein. This case highlights the importance of high index of suspicion in managing patients with DVT for possible ileocaval syndrome wherein anticoagulation alone is insufficient and needs more aggressive and definitive treatment to relieve the obstruction and to prevent recurrence.