J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2023 Dec;27(4):144-147. 10.14193/jkfas.2023.27.4.144.

May-Thurner Syndrome Appearing as Recurrent Swelling and Cellulitis in the Left Leg and Foot

• Kim J
• Lee WJ
• Jeong JJ

• KMID: 2553007
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2023.27.4.144

Abstract

The authors have diagnosed and treated patients with May-Thurner syndrome who presented with recurrent edema and redness in the left lower leg and foot. Although May–Thurner syndrome is a rare vascular disease, its primary symptoms manifest as edema and redness in the left lower leg and foot, leading the patients to seek foot and ankle surgery. Suspicion should be directed towards May-Thurner syndrome if an obese individual who spends prolonged periods sitting repeatedly complains of edema and redness in the left lower leg and foot area, in which a blood clot forms due to compression of the left common iliac vein within the pelvis.

Keyword

May-Thurner syndrome; Clinical manifestation; Left lower leg swelling; Cellulitis

Figure

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  Figure 1 Schematic diagram of May-Thurner syndrome. At the intersection with the right common iliac artery, the left common iliac vein is compressed, resulting in blood clots. IVC: inferior vena cava.

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  Figure 2 Photograph of the patient’s left lower extremity. He shows diffuse swelling and edema like a cellulitis on left lower leg.

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  Figure 3 Segmental pulmonary thromboembolism noted in right lower lobe segmental pulmonary artery (arrow).

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  Figure 4 Deep vein thrombosis noted in inferior vena cava (A), Left iliac vein (B), femoral vein (C).

Reference

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