Striving to advance awareness and research of Vascular Compression Syndromes and their comorbidities
working to end suffering....
Whether you or a loved one suffers from a Vascular Compression Syndrome, or if you are a researcher, professional or any person interested in learning more about Vascular Compression Research, this site aims to act as a platform to share papers and links to current and relevant research in Vascular Compression Syndromes and comorbid conditions.
Striving for answers, promoting understanding
We believe that Vascular Compression Syndromes deserve research that goes beyond case studies. We believe that an inter-disciplinary, complete system approach is necessary when looking at these pathologies that have complex relationships with other important conditions. Our vision is to provide and promote research that tries to provide explanations for disease mechanisms at a micro level, while taking account of the larger picture of the patient as a whole. We wish to work with patients and patient communities, as well as experts from many domains, to accelerate research and provide concrete answers for Vascular Compression sufferers.
Vascular Compression Syndromes
Renal Nutcracker Syndrome (NCS)
NCS is the compression of the left renal vein. This can cause left flank pain, back and abdominal pain, blood and/or protein in urine. Damage can happen to the kidney over time. Along with MTS, it is a considerable contributor to PCS.
May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS)
Also known as Cockett's Syndrome, this syndrome involves the compression of one or more of the iliac veins. Symptoms can include swelling of the leg(s) and deep vein thrombosis, but also lower back pain, leg pain and leg weakness.
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)
MALS is the compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament (part of the diaphragm). The ligament compression can also irriatate the many nerves that are located in that area. MALS causes pain at the base of the sternum, pain on eating and drinking, and difficulty in taking deep breaths.
Internal Jugular Vein Compression
Compression of the Internal Jugular vein on either or both sides of the neck can causes pain in the throat and neck and behind the ear. It can also cause headaches and tinnitus. The compression can occur in several places including at the styloids (Eagles Syndrome).
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
The thoracic outlet is a space between the bones and muscles of the shoulder and the chest. Nerves, blood and lymphatic vessels for the arm pass within this space. TOS occurs when the surrounding structure compresses any of these, causing arm pain and numbness, shoulder and/or neck pain.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)
PCS or Pelvic Venous Insufficiency (PVI), while not technically a compression syndrome itself, often occurs as a direct consequence of either NCS, MTS or both. The veins in the pelvis become varicosed, causing pelvic, abdominal and groin pain, as well as gynecological and urinary symtoms.
