Abstract
Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the role of MDCT in evaluating ovarian vein reflux, identify possible cause and grade its degree.
Materials And Methods: Contrast enhanced MDCT images of five hundred and nine (509) female patients scanned between 1st of March 2015 and 31st of August 2015 were reviewed for the evaluation of ovarian veins (normal or pathological states) and any associated abdominal/ pelvic pathology/pathologies. The presence, degree, pathway and associated findings of ovarian vein reflux were evaluated.
Results: From the 509 patients, 1006/1018 (98.82%) ovarian veins were identified. There were fifty six (56/509, 11%) female patients who became study subjects with ovarian vein reflux distributed as follows. A total of sixty eight out of 1006 (6.76%) identified ovarian veins had reflux. Right only were 12 OVs, left only, 32 OVs and (12 cases) 24 OVs were bilateral. Majority, 51/68 (75%) of refluxing OVs were of secondary type (identifiable cause) and 17/68 (25%) were of primary type (no identifiable cause). Most of the refluxing OVs (38/68, 55.88%) were of grade II, followed grade I (20/68, 29.41%) while those of grade III were 10 (14.71%). Grade III had statistical significance in its occurrence on the left OVs compared to the right OVs (p=0.011).
Conclusion: Both primary and secondary OV reflux exist. Left ovarian vein was the most affected by reflux as well as the severe grade III seen extending to contralateral ovarian vein plexus by passing through the dilated para-uterine and uterine veins with none affecting the right one. In overall, grade II reflux was common on both OVs.
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