A forgotten disease: Pelvic congestion syndrome as a cause of chronic lower abdominal pain

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213834
• Publication Date: 2019-04-02T17:37:03Z
• Authors: Agnieszka Jurga-K...; Grzegorz M. Karwacki; Andreas Schoetzau; Christoph J. Zech; Viola Heinzelmann...; Fabienne D. Schwab
• Keywords: Ovarian vein; Dysuria; Etiology; Pelvic inflammatory disease

Objectives Pelvic congestion syndrome is defined as chronic pelvic pain due to incompetent (dilated and refluxing) veins. The aim of this study was investigate the prevalence condition by examining dilated ovarian para-uterine veins in pre- postmenopausal female patients, irrespective their symptoms. We subsequently investigated how many women with suffered from pain. Additionally, we attempted define diagnostic criteria that may allow for early identification affected patients. Methods reassessed 2384 abdomino-pelvic computed tomography scans performed on at our institution. maximal diameters were measured. Patients a pathological process abdomen or pelvis affecting excluded. considered vein dilation be 6 mm more axial plane. For patients met these criteria, retrospective chart review evaluate clinical presentation and/or symptoms Results Dilated present 293/2384 (12%) 118/559 premenopausal (21%) 175/1825 (10%). Chronic unclear etiology had been documented prior CT 54/293 (18%) veins—2% whole collective (54/2384); 8% all (44/559) 0.5% (10/1825). It often accompanied urological such hematuria, dysuria, urinary frequency, absence infection (p<0.05). identified strong correlation between presence parous hematuria. Conclusions appears an underdiagnosed undertreated disease. In study, cross-sectional imaging studies. features most relevant should enable faster who could benefit specific treatment regimen condition.