Duplex US in Pelvic Congestion Syndrome in Females

• In the past, a diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain left many women frustrated with few treatment options and a lack of available resources. Their physicians were likewise perplexed, despite the endless acquisition of negative laboratory and imaging data as well as inconclusive consultations obtained. In the last 10 years, improved scientific understanding and increased physician awareness have lessened the confusion surrounding this condition and its distinct association with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). Furthermore, refinements of medical and minimally invasive surgical solutions give affected patients more therapeutic choices today.
• Since anatomical venous variations in the pelvis are common, it is important to know the anatomy of these vessels for treatment planning. Imaging is critical in the evaluation of pelvic varices, both to differentiate them from other condition and also because pelvic varices may be secondary to serious underlying pathology, such as inferior vena caval obstruction, portal hypertension, increased pelvic blood flow, and vascular malformations.

Sonographic findings of pelvic congestion syndrome were dilated left ovarian vein with reversed caudal flow, presence of varicocele, dilated arcuate veins crossing the uterine myometrium, polycystic changes of the ovary, and variable duplex waveform during the Valsalva's maneuver. Combined transabdominal and transvaginal sonography are potentially useful as a noninvasive screening & grading tool for determining which patients with chronic pelvic pain may benefit from selective ovarian venography and transcatheter embolization