Pelvic venous disorders in women – diagnosis and therapy

Abstract

Chronic pelvic pain may cause a significant reduction in the quality of life for affected women, and the extent of the limitation is often underestimated. Chronic pain can lead to lifelong problems. Currently, PCS is probably significantly underdiagnosed as a cause of chronic pelvic pain in women. To diagnose PCS, other common causes of chronic pelvic pain must be excluded and typical changes in pelvic vein syndrome must be detected, ideally using MR phlebography. If the indication is correct and the procedure is carried out appropriately – ideally by experienced interventionalists certified according to DeGIR/EBIR – the symptoms can be eliminated in the long term with a high success rate and few complications. Simultaneous psychotherapeutic treatment should always be discussed with the patients.

Key Points

• PCS is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain in women.

• Imaging requires Doppler sonography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography.

• Typical symptoms and dilated pelvic veins (>8 mm) indicate interventional therapy.

• Pathological pelvic veins are embolized using coils and alcohol foam.

• Published success rates and long-term results suggest propagating interventional therapy.

Citation Format

• Paulus T, Minko P, Petersen T et al. Pelvic venous disorders in women – diagnosis and therapy. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2446-0749

Keywords

pelvic venous disorder - chronic pelvic pain in females - embolization - coils - interventional radiology - macrogol lauryl ether

Publication History

Received: 13 July 2024

Accepted after revision: 02 October 2024

Article published online:
20 November 2024

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