Puerperal ovarian vein thrombophlebitis

Puerperal ovarian vein thrombophlebitis is a rare, but life-threatening com plication. It often occurs at term after cesarean section or after operativ e vaginal delivery. According to the puerperal uterine drainage, the predom inant location is the right ovarian vein. There is a lack of specific sympt oms and signs. The diagnosis of ovarian vein thrombosis should be considere d in all women with prolonged and unexplained fever postpartum. If prompt d efervescence does not occur with aggressive intravenous antibiotic therapy, a computed tomography scan should be obtained in a timely manner. In uncom plicated cases a treatment trial with antibiotics and heparin intravenously in a therapeutic dosage should be undertaken. if this treatment is not suc cessful within 48 h or if the patient exhibits thromboembolic complications or sepsis, operative therapy is recommended. The aim of the operation is t o remove the clotted and infected foci; Early diagnosis and treatment can i mprove the prognosis of this disease significantly.