Female Runner With Painful Left Thigh Swelling: A Case of May-Thurner Syndrome

PM R. 2018 Feb;10(2):227-229. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.06.016. Epub 2017 Jun 27.

Abstract

We discuss a case of a female runner who presented with burning left groin and thigh pain and positional swelling after a long run. The workup revealed May-Thurner syndrome. May-Thurner syndrome anatomy is a common anatomical variant present in approximately 20% of the population. Compression of the iliac vein may result in venous stasis in the lower limb with a predisposition to deep venous thrombosis. We identify 4 reported cases of May-Thurner syndrome in female runners and review the importance of diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this condition.

Level of evidence: V.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Edema / diagnosis
  • Edema / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iliac Vein / abnormalities*
  • Iliac Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • May-Thurner Syndrome / complications*
  • May-Thurner Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Pain / diagnosis
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Radiography
  • Running*
  • Thigh / blood supply*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler