May-Thurner Syndrome: The Worst-Case Scenario

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is caused by compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery against the spinal column. It can range from asymptomatic or present with subtle and unspecific signs and symptoms and rarely exhibit severe complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE). The diagnosis is confirmed by typical imaging findings. Treatment may include conservative measures, anticoagulation, endovascular or even surgical options. We report the case of a 20-year-old female who presented with cardiac arrest caused by an acute massive PE. Further study showed partial thrombosis of the internal iliac veins resulting from MTS. She continued anticoagulation therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin and then switched to edoxaban with a good clinical outcome. She was also referred to Vascular Surgery to discuss the possibility of iliac vein stenting. Abdominopelvic vascular compression syndromes include a large spectrum of conditions, and they are rarely considered as an etiology for venous thromboembolism. The clinical presentation of PE varies with several triggering factors and atypical presentation is more common in nonmalignant causes. The combination of noninvasive and invasive imaging modalities might be beneficial to establish a definitive diagnosis. Nevertheless, invasive procedures are often restricted to doubtful cases or to guide endovascular procedures which is the current treatment of choice. There is little evidence using nonvitamin K oral anticoagulants, but there are some case reports detailing their successful use. This case aims to point out the need for a profound understanding of different causes of deep vein and pulmonary thromboembolism; common entities in our practice but with a variety of clinical presentations and potentially caused by rare underlying conditions. MTS can be the origin of serious and deadly complications, hence the importance of early recognition and treatment.