Utero-ovarian varices and absent inferior vena cava in pregnancy.

Abstract

Extensively distended and tortuous vessels on both sides of the uterus are rare incidental findings on transvaginal sonography in early pregnancy. A 31-year-old woman with a history of surgical repair for congenital intestinal stenosis was noted to have utero-ovarian varices on a transvaginal ultrasound examination during her first prenatal visit at 6 weeks' gestation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed dilated ovarian veins along with infrarenal absence of inferior vena cava as well as the absence of external and common iliac veins. Despite concerns regarding spontaneous utero-ovarian vessels rupture, her antenatal course was uneventful. A vaginal delivery was successfully achieved without any postpartum complication. We also demonstrated an intraoperative view of the utero-ovarian vessels during cesarean section in her subsequent pregnancy. Absence of inferior vena cava and pelvic varices can occur in women with a history of neonatal surgery. Although the risk of utero-ovarian varices rupture remains unclear, vaginal delivery may be safely achieved.