Ovarian vein thrombosis

A 10-year Australian experience of rare intraabdominal venous thrombosis with comparison to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

OBJECTIVE

Intra-abdominal venous thromboembolism is rare with heterogeneous management. We aim to evaluate these thrombosis and compare them to deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism.

METHOD

A 10-year retrospective evaluation of consecutive venous thromboembolism presentations (January 2011-December 2020) at Northern Health, Australia, was conducted. A subanalysis of intraabdominal venous thrombosis involving splanchnic, renal and ovarian veins was performed.

RESULTS

There were 3343 episodes including 113 cases of intraabdominal venous thrombosis (3.4%) - 99 splanchnic vein thrombosis, 10 renal vein thrombosis and 4 ovarian vein thrombosis. Of the splanchnic vein thrombosis presentations, 34 patients (35 cases) had known cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis were numerically less likely to be anticoagulated compared to noncirrhotic patients (21/35 vs. 47/64, P  = 0.17). Noncirrhotic patients ( n  = 64) were more likely to have malignancy compared to those with deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism (24/64 vs. 543/3230, P  < 0.001), including 10 patients diagnosed at time of splanchnic vein thrombosis presentation. Cirrhotic patients reported more recurrent thrombosis/clot progression (6/34) compared to noncirrhotic patients (3/64) (15.6 vs. 2.3 events/100-person-years; hazard ratio 4.7 (95% confidence interval 1.2-18.9), P  = 0.030) and other venous thromboembolism patients (2.6/100-person-years; hazard ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 2.1-10.7; P  < 0.001) with comparable major bleeding rates. All renal vein thrombosis were provoked including five malignant-related cases while three ovarian vein thrombosis occurred postpartum. No recurrent thrombotic or bleeding complications were reported in renal vein thrombosis and ovarian vein thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

These rare intraabdominal venous thromboses are often provoked. Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) patients with cirrhosis have a higher rate of thrombotic complications, while SVT without cirrhosis was associated with more malignancy. Given the concurrent comorbidities, careful assessment and individualized anticoagulation decision is needed.

A Case of Postpartum Thrombophlebitis of a Retroperitoneal Varix Mimicking Acute Appendicitis

A case of thrombophlebitis of a retroperitoneal varix in a postpartum patient with right lower quadrant pain is presented. The sonographic examination was falsely positive for appendicitis, but the correct diagnosis was made with a subsequent computed tomogram. The thrombosed varix was likely a collateral of the right ovarian vein, analogous to postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis (POVT), an uncommon potentially fatal disorder. POVT is reviewed, emphasizing features useful for distinguishing it from appendicitis at sonography. Sonographers should be aware of the possibility of thrombophlebitis when examining postpartum patients with right lower quadrant pain.

A rare case of ovarian vein thrombosis in a gestational trophoblastic neoplasia patient

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare disease with complications that can be life-threatening. An ovarian vein thrombus in a gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is an extremely rare condition that has not been previously reported in the literature. We report the case of a 23-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of amenorrhea for 15 weeks and 6 days along with intermittent lower abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with a hydatidiform mole, and a metastatic workup was scheduled. Abdominal computed tomography showed a right ovarian vein thrombus. She received methotrexate chemotherapy combined with oral anticoagulants. Complete radiological remission was obtained. During the 12-month follow-up period, no disease progression or recurrence was noted. Early recognition and detection of the condition are of the utmost importance. The differential diagnosis of OVT must be considered when there is unexplained abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis during the diagnosis and treatment of GTN. A high level of suspicion is required for prompt diagnosis of OVT.

MRI in pelvic inflammatory disease: a pictorial review

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an ascending infection of the female genital tract caused by the spread of bacteria from the vagina to the pelvic reproductive organs and occasionally the peritoneum. The most common causative organisms are sexually transmitted. PID is a significant source of morbidity among reproductive age women both as a cause of abdominal pain and as a common cause of infertility. Its clinical presentation is often nonspecific, and the correct diagnosis may first come to light based on the results of imaging studies. MRI is well suited for the evaluation of PID and its complications due to its superior soft tissue contrast and high sensitivity for inflammation. MRI findings in acute PID include cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis/oophoritis, and inflammation in the pelvic soft tissues. Acute complications include pyosalpinx, tuboovarian abscess, peritonitis, and perihepatitis. Hydrosalpinx, pelvic inclusion cysts and ureteral obstruction may develop as chronic sequela of PID. The pathophysiology, classification, treatment, and prognosis of PID are reviewed, followed by case examples of the appearance of acute and subclinical PID on MR images.

Ovarian vein thrombosis in a polytrauma patient

A young mother presented to a major trauma centre following a road traffic collision. Her admission CT traumagram demonstrated liver and renal lacerations, spinal and pelvic fractures with no abnormalities of the ovarian veins. Her inpatient course was uncomplicated other than a sustained, isolated raised C reactive protein. CT of the abdomen 1 week after injury demonstrated stable solid organ injuries and the additional, unexpected finding of a right ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT). A pragmatic approach was taken towards the management of the OVT given the haemorrhagic risk from her traumatic injuries. A multidisciplinary, consultant-led plan was made to slowly increase enoxaparin to a therapeutic dose under close surveillance and to then switch to warfarin following an outpatient consultation with a consultant haematologist. A MR venogram was performed after 3 months of anticoagulation, and this demonstrated complete resolution of the OVT and normal appearances of the ovary.

Idiopathic ovarian vein thrombosis: a rare cause of abdominal pain

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare but potentially serious condition that affects mostly postpartum women. It has also been associated with other conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, malignancy, sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, and recent pelvic or abdominal surgery. It is critical to recognize and treat this condition as early as possible to avoid the potential complications of the thrombosis and adverse sequelae such as infection and sepsis. We report a case of idiopathic OVT in a previously healthy premenopausal woman presenting with sudden onset groin pain. Nephrolithiasis was high on the differential, so a computed tomography abdomen/pelvis was done, which showed OVT. Patient was admitted to the gynecology service for intravenous antibiotics and for anticoagulation. Patient did well and was discharged after 2 days on Coumadin and oral antibiotics. Ovarian vein thrombosis is a rare condition with a number of serious and life-threatening complications. Therefore, not only is a high level of scrutiny required, but also an increased index of suspicion is essential for diagnosis of OVT and prevention of these dangerous outcomes.

Ovarian and Renal Vein Thrombosis: A Rare Cause of Fever Outer the Postpartum Period

Although there is no other underlying disease, women can sometimes experience rare and serious diseases such as ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) and renal vein thrombosis (RVT) after giving birth. The widespread development of thrombosis is treated for the first time in this study. Stasis, coagulation factor abnormalities, and intimal damage to the venous thrombosis risk can increase during pregnancy. It was mentioned that it diagnoses an abnormality in the hypercoagulability half of women with OVT. Despite the hypercoagulant abnormality observed in pregnant women, it was very unusual that the renal vein thrombosis led to this complication. It can lead to severe complication of OVT which can even cause death. It was the first time that the renal vein and ovarian vein thrombosis were observed in the postpartum period, and there was no coagulation abnormality. It is known that the thrombus in the postpartum period can be observed with the fever of unknown origin. The problematic, but rarely observed, postpartum disease such as ovarian venous thrombosis (OVT) is generally observed in the right ovarian vein. In this disease, avoiding the resulting laparotomy heparin and intravenous antibiotics is best solution for the patient. If it is to be noted a fever for unknown reasons, that it be thrombosis.

Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis in a 29-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis

A 29-year-old woman with known ulcerative colitis developed a right-sided abdominal pain a day after preterm vaginal delivery at 30 weeks. She did not have any nausea, vomiting and had normal bowel movements. The observations were within normal limits and white cell counts were marginally elevated with a normal C reactive protein. A large ovarian vein thrombosis on the left side was an incidental finding on a CT of the abdomen and pelvis undertaken to establish the cause for abdominal pain. The patient was managed by a multidisciplinary team and was treated with anticoagulants for 6 months. This case illustrates that the incidence of pelvic venous thrombosis may be higher in pregnancy and puerperium.

Rivaroxaban for the Long-term Treatment of Spontaneous Ovarian Vein Thrombosis Caused by Factor V Leiden Homozygosity

OBJECTIVE

To report a case where rivaroxaban was used in the management of an ovarian vein thrombosis and to briefly review the literature, pathophysiology, and clinical implications therein.

CASE SUMMARY

A 30-year-old previously healthy woman was diagnosed with acute, spontaneous, left-ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) with proximal extension into the renal vein. After initial catheter-directed thrombolysis with tPA, angioplasty of the left renal vein, and heparinoid treatment, rivaroxaban was begun for long-term anticoagulation. Three months after her index event she was symptom free, with complete resolution of her thrombosis and no adverse effects or bleeding complications from rivaroxaban. To our knowledge, this is the first report of OVT successfully treated with rivaroxaban.

DISCUSSION

OVT is a rare but potentially fatal cause of abdominal pain that may pose diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Factor V Leiden (FVL) homozygosity, an uncommon but severe inherited thrombophilia, increases the risk of thrombosis by approximately 50- to 80-fold. This case report and accompanying literature review highlight important clinical pearls related to the diagnosis and management of OVT and inherited thrombophilias.

CONCLUSIONS

This clinical vignette adds to the published literature suggesting that novel oral anticoagulants, such as rivaroxaban, may eventually emerge as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists for the treatment of extra-axial thromboses. Reporting these cases is important because their prevalence is low outside of specialized referral centers, and thus, dissemination of these experiences may help other providers in treating their patients.

Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis

Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality if not recognized early and managed appropriately.

Background:

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare but potentially serious postpartum complication, which occurs in 0.05% to 0.18% of pregnancies and is diagnosed on the right side in 80% to 90% of the cases.

Case Report:

A 32-year-old woman presented at 15 days postpartum to our emergency department with severe abdominal pain, fever, and abdominal distension. Abdominal examination revealed right lower quadrant pain with rebound tenderness. The plain abdominal radiography evidenced a diffuse fecal stasis; abdominal ultrasound showed the presence of free fluid in the Douglas’ pouch and between small bowel loops. Diagnosis of acute appendicitis was made. The patient immediately underwent explorative laparoscopy; at surgery, a woody tumoration consistent with right ovarian vein thrombosis was found. Laparoscopic ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis. Anticoagulation therapy and antibiotics were instituted. CT-scan confirmed the presence of thrombosis up to the vena cava. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. At 1-month follow-up, she remained stable and symptom free.

Discussion:

Even though postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis is rare, recognition and treatment is needed to institute adequate therapy and avoid potential serious sequelae. The diagnosis can be established by ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI examinations, although, as in the case described, the limitation of ultrasound includes obscuration of the gonadic vein by overlying bowel gas.

Conclusion:

OVT should be considered in any woman in the postpartum period with lower abdominal pain, fever, and leucocytosis.

Idiopathic ovarian vein thrombosis: a rare cause of pelvic pain - case report and review of literature

Ovarian vein thrombosis is a condition most commonly identified in the puerperium and in association with malignancy, pelvic infections, surgery and thrombophilia. We report a case of idiopathic ovarian vein thrombosis and therefore highlight the importance of considering the diagnosis in women presenting with lower abdominal pain, in whom more common diagnoses cannot be identified.

MDCT of the ovarian vein: normal anatomy and pathology

OBJECTIVE

We intend to show the MDCT findings of normal ovarian (gonadal) vein anatomy and associated disorders, including the "ovarian vascular pedicle" sign, phlebolith, reflux, pelvic congestion syndrome, thrombosis, stenosis, and occlusion.

CONCLUSION

Volume-rendered images and curved planar reformatted images can be used to show the ovarian veins. MDCT findings allow the diagnosis of various ovarian vein disorders in patients with abdominal and pelvic pain, pulmonary thromboembolism, and pelvic mass.

[Postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis: report of 5 cases and review of the literature]

OBJECTIVE

Postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis (POVT) is an uncommon life-threatening situation. It should be systematically evoked in case of persistent fever during the postpartum. We describe here the imaging techniques to assert the diagnosis and the different therapeutic options.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

We report five cases from 1997 to 2002. Only one patient was surgically treated.

RESULTS

No death was observed. In all cases, fever and pain rapidly disappeared.

CONCLUSION

Search for postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis should be undertaken in patients with persistent fever. Treatment is more often medical.

Ovarian vein thrombosis in the antiphospholipid syndrome

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is an unusual condition mainly observed during the postpartum period. It has not been reported to date in the antiphospholipid syndrome. Two female patients with definite antiphospholipid syndrome, ages 33 years and 73 years, were diagnosed as having OVT by computed tomography (CT) scan, according to the radiologic criteria described by Zerhouni et al. In 1 of the women, the left vein was affected by OVT, while in the other woman, the right vein was affected. One of the patients had a pulmonary embolism; the diagnosis of OVT was established after she underwent a cesarean section and a right atrium thrombectomy. The other patient had no vascular manifestations. OVT was asymptomatic in both patients. Searches for associated thrombophilic states yielded negative results. With the continuation of anticoagulation therapy, the 2 patients have remained in good condition. Resolution of the OVT was observed in the patient who underwent a CT scan during followup. To our knowledge, this is the first report of OVT occurring in the antiphospholipid syndrome. Given that it may develop in the absence of pelvic clinical manifestations, this complication may be underdiagnosed.

Unusual causes of ovarian vein thrombosis as revealed by CT and sonography

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a pathologic entity classically considered a postpartum complication and only rarely associated with other disease processes. Before modern imaging methods, diagnosis was primarily made clinically or at exploratory surgery. Our objective was to show that with CT and sonographic imaging, OVT can be detected in atypical clinical situations and that the condition may also be occult.

CONCLUSION

Only two of six cases at our institution fit the classic picture of postpartum infection complicated by OVT. The other four cases occurred in conjunction with other pathologic conditions, one of which has not to our knowledge been previously associated with OVT. The diagnosis was not clinically suspected in these four cases. On CT and sonography, OVT was detected incidentally, because clinical symptoms were atypical or absent. Such atypical presentations of OVT pose a clinical dilemma as to appropriate management.

Sonography of postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis

PURPOSE

We report the gray-scale, color, and power Doppler findings in 3 cases of postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis (PPOVT), an uncommon but potentially lethal disorder.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records revealed 3 patients with PPOVT who had pelvic sonography performed during the disease course.

RESULTS

The sonographic findings of PPOVT included a tubular, hypoechoic mass identified anterior to the psoas muscle in all cases. Perivenous phlegmon formation resulted in hydronephrosis and obstructive periureteritis in 1 case. Inferior vena cava involvement was detected in 2 cases. Decreases in the sizes of the thrombus and the phlegmon were seen on post-treatment studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The long course of the thrombosed ovarian vein and the presence of inferior vena cava thrombus are sonographic signs helpful in distinguishing PPOVT from other inflammatory conditions. Sonography cannot be proposed as a primary tool in the diagnosis of PPOVT because it successfully diagnosed only 1 of our 3 cases. However, sonography may be useful in monitoring the response to anticoagulant therapy.

Diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Accurate diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) is required because treatment can be life-saving, while inappropriate anticoagulation exposes the mother and fetus to haemorrhage and other hazards. Clinicians must be aware of which patients are at risk because DVT is frequently asymptomatic. Clinical diagnosis is unreliable for DVT and PE so objective tests are required. Venography is the gold standard test for DVT but is invasive and has been superseded by less invasive tests such as duplex ultrasound which is now the first-line investigation in pregnancy. However, where doubt remains, venography, CT and MRI have a role. Ventilation-perfusion scanning is the pivotal test for PE in pregnancy, and need not expose the fetus to excess radiation. If the result is unclear deep venous ultrasound can guide management of suspected PE, thus avoiding pulmonary angiography, the invasive gold standard test.

Ovarian vein thrombosis with symptoms prior to term--a case report

A case with ovarian vein thrombosis before delivery is presented. C-reactive protein exceeded 200 mg/l, and the patient was treated for a suspected infection before the true diagnosis was revealed by CT. After aggressive anti-coagulant therapy, a follow-up CT showed complete remission.

Absence of flow in ovarian vein by time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography without evidence of thrombosis

A case of absent flow in the left ovarian vein was diagnosed on time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) while investigating for pelvic vein thrombosis in a 53-year-old female. This appearance should not be misdiagnosed as a sign of ovarian vein occlusion or thrombosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive noninvasive imaging modality in such a clinical setting. Familiarity with the potential pitfalls of different MRA techniques is essential for correct diagnosis. A review of different MRA techniques in evaluation of pelvic venous thrombosis is presented.