Venous Reflux From the Pelvis and Vulvoperineal Region as a Possible Cause of Lower Extremity Varicose Veins: Diagnosis With Computed Tomographic and Ultrasonographic Findings

Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate with the use of computed tomography and ultrasonography that isolated venous reflux from the pelvis and vulvoperineal region is a possible cause of lower extremity varicose veins. Methods: From a consecutive series of patients who were referred to the vascular imaging laboratory, we retrospectively selected patients who had unusual lower extremity varicose veins that arose from the pelvis and vulvoperineal region. Computed tomographic venography and ultrasonograhy were used to exclude other causes of varicose veins. We reviewed medical records to evaluate the presence of pelvic congestion syndrome. Computed tomographic findings were reviewed to locate ovarian vein dilatation. Results: Twenty limbs of 15 female patients (age range, 33-72 years; mean age, 53.2 years) were diagnosed with varicose veins that arose from the pelvis and vulvoperineal region without any saphenofemoral insufficiency. Eleven patients (73.3%) had no history of chronic pelvic pain. Four patients (26.7%) presented with chronic pelvic pain without any other evident gynecological etiology. Dilatation of the left ovarian vein was seen in 10 patients (67%; mean dilatation, 8.6 mm; range, 7.5-9.6 mm). Five patients (33%; mean dilatation, 4.9 mm; range, 3.8-6.6 mm) showed no ovarian vein dilatation. Conclusions: The combined use of computed tomographic venography and ultrasonography may be a possible noninvasive method for the diagnosis of unusual lower extremity varicose veins. Venous reflux from the pelvis and vulvoperineal region as a cause of lower extremity varicose veins can manifest without evidence of pelvic congestion syndrome or ovarian vein dilatation.