This ABC6 Action News health segment features Dr. Sudheendra and one of his patients, a new mother whose swollen leg turned out to be far more serious than it first appeared. It runs about two minutes. Here is the story.
A New Mom’s Swollen Leg
Jessica was just weeks into motherhood when she looked down and noticed her leg was swollen. She was told it was a superficial blood clot and sent home, but within hours she was back at the hospital. The clot was massive, running through many of the veins in her leg. A hospital near her home in Dallas said it could not be removed. She was put on blood thinners and told: no more running, no more skiing, no more hiking, no playing around with her newborn baby.
The Real Diagnosis: May Thurner Syndrome
A relative connected her with Dr. Sudheendra, who discovered the true cause. In May Thurner Syndrome, an artery in the pelvis lies on top of a major vein and compresses it. Blood flow through the vein slows down, and a clot can form. Some doctors consider the condition rare. Dr. Sudheendra disagrees, and believes the anatomy may be present in as many as 25 percent of women. For most, it never causes symptoms, but weight gain and inactivity can raise the risk of trouble. So can pregnancy, because as the baby grows there is less room in the pelvis and more compression on the vein.
How It Was Treated
Dr. Sudheendra broke up the clot with a device that sprays it with powerful clot-dissolving medication and then vacuums it out, and he placed a stent in the vein to keep it open. Jessica was on blood thinners for a while, but now takes only a baby aspirin, and she has been cleared for all activities. She is running again.
Her Message to Other Moms
Jessica wishes she had been more aware of the risk for clots. She urges any woman who is pregnant, or any new mom, who notices swelling in her leg to get it checked out right away.
Key Takeaways
- Blood clots in the legs can become life-threatening. Prolonged sitting, birth control pills, smoking, and pregnancy all raise the risk.
- In May Thurner Syndrome, a pelvic artery compresses a major vein, slowing blood flow so clots can form.
- The anatomy may be present in up to 25 percent of women, though most never have symptoms.
- May Thurner Syndrome is treatable with clot removal and a stent, not a lifetime of restrictions.
- New or expecting moms with leg swelling should get it checked right away.
Related reading: May Thurner Syndrome Explained and Treating DVT & Post-Thrombotic Syndrome.
