The Use of Duplex Ultrasound to Provide Indices of Left CIV Diameter
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The use and reproducibility of duplex ultrasound to provide indices of left Common Iliac Vein (CIV) diameter, to aid and improve the diagnosis of May Thurner Syndrome (MTS) in patients presenting with unexplained left leg swelling.
IRAS ID
306125
Contact name
Alun Davies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
May Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is a condition whereby one blood vessel becomes compressed by another vessel against the spine. As a consequence, people with MTS may experience problems in their left leg whilst other people may not experience any symptoms at all. MTS may cause a serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which occurs when a blood clot forms within the blood vessels and can cause serious symptoms and can sometimes be fatal if it is not diagnosed and treated effectively.
MTS is currently diagnosed using a technique called venography which is an invasive procedure where a small tube is placed into the blood vessels of the groin and the changes of pressure within the vessels are recorded in different places. This procedure is invasive and takes a large amount of time in order to collect the appropriate number of pressure readings and may cause a certain amount of discomfort. The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of conditions affecting the blood vessels is well established and has been used safely for a number of years with little to no side effects, however it is not currently used to diagnose MTS.
This project will investigate whether or not vascular ultrasound can be used to aid the diagnosis of MTS. 40 participants who have been referred to the department for a vascular scan will be recruited. Approximately 20 patients of these will have been referred as they have lower leg problems that require this type of scan, with the other 20 acting as asymptomatic participants who have been referred to the department for another type of vascular scan. The measurements between the two groups will be compared to establish whether ultrasound can safely aid the diagnosis of MTS.REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0271
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion