Pulmonary Emboli without Leg Symptoms, May-Thurner syndrome. Case Report and Review

Abstract

May-Thurner syndrome or Iliac compression syndrome is a clinical condition that occurs as a result of compression of the left common iliac vein by the overlying right common iliac artery. This syndrome most often affects young to middle-aged women, and patients usually have left leg symptoms. We describe an unusual case of a 23-year-old female who had pulmonary emboli caused by iliac compression syndrome without leg symptoms. Combined venography and aortography confirmed the diagnosis, and patient was successfully treated with anticoagulants. May-Thurner or Iliac compression syndrome is generally underdiagnosed and should be considered when pulmonary embolism appears without obvious cause.