Acute deep vein thrombus due to May-Thurner syndrome

A 63-year-old white woman with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, and transient ischemic attack, on Premarin, presented with a 2-week history of worsening edema and pain on the left side of the lower extremity associated with purplish discoloration and decreased temperature after a prolonged car travel. Physical examination revealed 2+ edema from the midthigh to the toes associated with purpuric discoloration. All arterial pulses were 4+. Ultrasound examination demonstrated an acute deep vein thrombus extending from the external iliac veins down throughout the visualized veins of the left calf. The patient was started on intravenous heparin and underwent venogram with subsequent thrombolysis. After 48 hours of alteplase infusion, balloon angioplasty was performed and 2 stents were placed in the left common and external iliac veins. Premarin was discontinued and she remains on oral anticoagulation with Coumadin. The patient did well clinically and a second ultrasound showed interval improvement. There is significant family history but no personal history of thrombotic events; however, thrombophilia evaluation is unremarkable.