Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Pelvic Varicose Veins

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OBJECTIVE

To study the diagnostic capabilities of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for pelvic varicose veins.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 39 patients with clinical signs of pelvic varicose veins. Diagnostic examinations included contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of ovarian veins or gonadal-iliac shunts. CEUS was performed according to original method.

RESULTS

Venous phase was observed 30—40 s after intravenous injection of contrast agent as soon as it reached target veins and enhanced ultrasonic signal. Contrast agent filled the target vein completely that ensured optimal imaging throughout the entire length of vein. Thanks to long-term presence of contrast agent, veins retained uniformity of its accumulation and clear contours for a long time compared to surrounding tissue. Mean time to contrast enhancement of ovarian veins was 35.2±4.0 s, gonadal-iliac shunts — 35.7±3.0 s. Mean time to peak contrast enhancement significantly differed (76.3±2.1 and 43.9±2.2 s, respectively). This finding indicated no venous hypertension in gonadal-iliac shunts.

CONCLUSION

CEUS in patients with pelvic varicose veins is characterized by improved identification of target veins and effective ultrasound diagnostics, especially in case of unsatisfactory results of conventional echolocation.

Keywords:

pelvic varicose veins

contrast-enhanced ultrasound

pelvic veins

gonadal-iliac shunts

Authors:

Akhmetzyanov R.V.

Kazan State Medical University;
Interregional Clinical Diagnostic Center

ORCID: 0000-0001-8146-2263

Fomina E.E.

Kazan State Medical Academy;
Republican Clinical Hospital

ORCID: 0000-0003-0667-6127

Received:

28.12.2022

Accepted:

13.03.2023

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