Venous Compression Syndromes in Women

Venous Compression Syndromes have been described. Understanding the role of gender is poorly understood. While iliac vein compression has had more discussion with the advent of newer technologies, research has fallen short on defining epidemiology, best practices for evaluation and treatment, and differences in responses to treatment between men and women. The authors report on iliac vein compression, non-thrombotic renal vein compression, and other venous compression syndromes in women. Literature searches were undertaken using PubMed including keywords: women/female and May Thurner, venous stenting, venous outcomes, deep venous disease, deep venous compression, venous stenting, renal vein compression, renal vein surgery/stent, popliteal vein entrapment, venous thoracic vein entrapment, popliteal vein entrapment. The articles prompted the authors to research further as the referenced articles were reviewed. Gender representation has not been adequately addressed in the research of venous compression syndromes. This makes the discussion of best treatment options and long-term outcomes difficult. More specific understanding of epidemiology and response to intervention(s) will only come from research that directly addresses these issues, understanding that some of these syndromes occur rarely.