Learn More About Vascular Compression Syndromes
MALS — Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome
SMAS — Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome
NCS — Nutcracker Syndrome
PCS — Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
TOS — Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
MTS — May-Thurner Syndrome
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There are many different types of Vascular Compression Syndromes that cause many different symptoms effecting the renal system, gastrointestinal system, and more.
Some are known as:
MALS — affects GI system
When the median arcuate ligament sits lower than normal causing pressure on main blood vessels that supply blood flow to the stomach and liver
SMAS — affects GI system (specifically duodenum)
When the duodenum (connects stomach to small intestines) gets pinched by two arteries causing a narrowing of the duodenum limiting food intake
NCS — affects GI system and Renal system
When arteries pinch the left renal vein (carries blood from kidney back to the heart) causing pain
TOS — affects blood vessels and nerves (pain in upper ribcage and collarbone region)
When blood vessels and nerves better the collarbone and ribs become compressed causing pain
MTS — occurs near pelvis
compression of the left iliac vein
Vascular compressions cause different symptoms depending on where they are throughout the body, but they occur due to excess pressure put on blood vessels limiting blood flow.
Vascular compressions effect roughly 0.002% of the population making them very hard to diagnose and treat due to limited research. Vascular compressions typically affect younger females over males.
Due to limited research, why vascular compressions develop is still not well understood. However, some research highlights a connection between Elhers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and some vascular compressions.
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Symptoms of Vascular Compressions can differ from person to person and can differ from condition.
Some common symptoms are:
MALS
Pain in the upper middle stomach area (typically after eating, exercising, or changing body position)
Bloating
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
SMAS
nausea
vomiting
abdominal pain
indigestion
early satiety
weight loss
NCS
flank pain
stomach pain
blood in urine
pelvic congestion
back pain
headache
bloating
leg swelling
TOS
neck, shoulder, and arm pain
numbness in arm, hand, and fingers
poor circulation
weakness
swelling
MTS
leg pain
deep vein thrombosis
leg swelling
pelvic pain
varicose veins in legs
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Diagnosing compressions can be difficult and for many of them specific protocol must be taken.
Some tests used to diagnose compressions include:
MALS
Angiogram
Doppler ultrasound
CT scan
MRI scan
SMAS
Angiogram
Doppler ultrasound
CT scan
MRI scan
NCS
Doppler ultrasound
CT scan
MRI scan
Venogram
PCS
Pelvic venography
MRI scan
Pelvic ultrasound
TOS
Ultrasounds
X-ray
CT scan
MRI scan
Arteriography and venography
Electromyography (EMG)
MTS
Doppler ultrasound
CT scan
MRI scan
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Each compression has different treatments, however, due to limited research there is not a lot of options.
Some treatment options consist of:
MALS
median arcuate ligament release surgery
SMAS
fluid resuscitation
electrolyte correction
total parenteral nutrition
feeding tube (NJ or J-tube) that bypasses the compression
surgery to release the compression
NCS
stenting
surgery
routine urinalysis
PCS
medications targeted towards hormones
surgery (hysterectomy)
TOS
physical therapy
botulinum toxin injections
surgery (scalenectomy)
MTS
blood thinners
thrombolysis
stenting
compression stockings
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