How is Pelvic Venous Congestion Diagnosed?
Unfortunately, pelvic venous congestion often goes unrecognized and untreated. Symptoms, physical exam and ultrasound findings have a high combined predictive value in diagnosing pelvic venous disorders. The ability of duplex ultrasound (DUS) to image real time makes it an important tool in the evaluation of possible pelvic venous congestion. Because there are many other potential causes of chronic pelvic pain, medical professionals may conduct multiple exams and tests including:
- Pelvic exam
- Pelvic duplex ultrasound
- CT or MRI scan
- Laparoscopy
Pelvic ultrasound or other imaging studies such as CT are generally performed prior to treatment for pelvic venous congestion in order to exclude other possible pelvic disorders and to assess for anatomical variations which could affect treatment. It is important to note that a normal laparoscopy does not exclude the diagnosis of pelvic venous congestion.
The diagnosis of pelvic venous congestion is confirmed through an outpatient procedure called pelvic venography and treatment is typically carried out at the same time with a procedure called embolization. Embolization is a proven, safe and minimally invasive treatment option through which abnormal veins are closed using a combination of tiny coils and a sclerosing agent. Occasionally, pelvic venous congestion is caused by an obstructed iliac vein in the pelvis. In these cases, a stent may be required to open the abnormal iliac vein in order to restore normal flow out of the pelvis.