Iliac vein compression syndrome: an underdiagnosed cause of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis

J Hosp Med. 2010 Sep;5(7):E12-3. doi: 10.1002/jhm.663.

Abstract

Iliac vein compression syndrome (CS) is a rare cause of deep venous thrombosis. It is caused by an anatomic anomaly in which the right common iliac artery overlies the left common iliac vein causing mechanical compression. Subsequent endothelial changes within the vessels have the potential to spur thrombus formation. Aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions must be implemented upon suspicion to avoid long-term complications. We report on a 19 year old male who presented with ICS. We discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and current treatment options.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Clopidogrel
  • Constriction, Pathologic / complications
  • Constriction, Pathologic / pathology
  • Constriction, Pathologic / therapy
  • Heparin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Iliac Vein / pathology*
  • Lower Extremity / blood supply
  • Lower Extremity / pathology*
  • Male
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Syndrome
  • Thrombectomy
  • Thrombolytic Therapy
  • Ticlopidine / analogs & derivatives
  • Ticlopidine / therapeutic use
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Venous Thrombosis / pathology
  • Venous Thrombosis / therapy
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Warfarin
  • Heparin
  • Clopidogrel
  • Ticlopidine