OBJECTIVE, Incompetent and dilated ovarian veins have been reported in asso
ciation with pelvic congestion syndrome. We postulate that incompetent and
dilated ovarian veins are often an incidental CT finding, with a low diagno
stic value. To verify our hypothesis, we studied the frequency of incompete
nt and dilated ovarian veins seen on CT in asymptomatic women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively analyzed helical CT scans and med
ical records of 34 consecutive female renal donors between 18 and 46 years
old (mean age, 33 years). An incompetent and dilated ovarian vein was defin
ed as a contrast-filled vein measuring 7 mm or greater, seen during the art
erial phase of helical CT.
RESULTS. Incompetent and dilated ovarian veins were found in 16 (47%) of 34
asymptomatic women. All 16 women had left ovarian vein involvement; six (3
7.5%) had bilateral involvement. The mean diameters for the left and right
(incompetent and dilated) ovarian veins were 9.1 mm and 8.8 mm, respectivel
y (range, 7-12 mm). Of 16 women with incompetent and dilated ovarian veins,
15 (94%) were parous. Of 18 women with normal ovarian veins, nine (50%) we
re parous. Overall, incompetent and dilated ovarian veins were found in 15
(63%) of 24 parous women, and in one (10%) of 10 nonparous women (p < 0.05)
.
CONCLUSION. Incompetent and dilated ovarian veins are frequently seen on CT
in asymptomatic parous women. As an isolated finding, it is unlikely to be
associated with pelvic congestion syndrome.