Could-Thurner syndrome got here into the highlight this week when the election marketing campaign for Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) introduced that she had been identified with the situation, which might have an effect on blood circulation. The hard-right congresswoman was hospitalized after experiencing “severe swelling in her upper left leg” and underwent surgical procedure to take away an acute blood clot and insert a stent, her marketing campaign mentioned Tuesday. She is predicted to make a full restoration.The syndrome is never identified, however the vein compression that causes it’s current in about 1 in 5 individuals, in response to some estimates. Right here’s what to know.What’s Could-Thurner syndrome?Could-Thurner syndrome happens when the left iliac vein — which carries blood from the left leg again to the center — is compressed by the correct iliac artery the place they cross within the pelvis, in response to the Cleveland Clinic. This makes it harder for blood to circulation again to the center and may end up in deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot kinds within the deep veins, normally within the legs.Such clots could break free and get caught within the lungs, blocking blood circulation in what is named a pulmonary embolism, which will be life-threatening.Many individuals who’ve Could-Thurner syndrome don’t expertise signs. The situation is extra frequent in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 who’ve been pregnant, in response to the College of Maryland Medical Middle.Whereas the syndrome was initially presumed to be uncommon when it was anatomically outlined in 1957 by the researchers it’s named after, experiences have turn out to be extra frequent, and there may be hypothesis it might be extra prevalent “than generally perceived,” in response to a 2020 paper by researchers from the College of Minnesota.Could-Thurner syndrome is often known as iliac vein compression syndrome or Cockett syndrome, after one of many researchers who first reported on the situation in residing sufferers.What causes Could-Thurner syndrome?Specialists aren’t positive why such vein compression occurs, in response to the Cleveland Clinic.The 2020 paper means that one purpose for underdiagnosis of the situation could possibly be that individuals might not be symptomatic till “provoked by instances of increased hypercoagulability,” or elevated tendency to type blood clots, equivalent to throughout journey or postpartum.Associated threat components embody being pregnant, the usage of oral contraceptives, latest surgical procedure and trauma to the veins, in response to Northwell Well being.What are the signs of Could-Thurner syndrome?Signs embody swelling, emotions of fullness or heaviness in legs or ft; venous ulcers; and varicose veins, in response to the College of Pittsburgh Medical Middle. Signs normally happen within the left leg, per the Cleveland Clinic, and might embody pores and skin discoloration and ache.An imaging check equivalent to a CT scan or an MRI is normally used to diagnose the situation.Remedy relies on signs and might embody the usage of blood thinners, compression stockings, stenting or thrombolysis, which makes use of drugs to interrupt down clots. Surgical procedure may be utilized in some instances to reposition the artery to keep away from compression or to bypass the a part of the vein that has been narrowed.
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