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Farkas K, Stanek A, Zbinden S, Borea B, Ciurica S, Moore V, Maguire P, Abola MTB, Alajar EB, Marcoccia A, Erer D, Casanegra AI, Sharebiani H, Sprynger M, Kavousi M, Catalano M. Vascular Diseases in Women: Do Women Suffer from Them Differently? J Clin Med 2024; 13:1108. [PMID: 38398419 PMCID: PMC10889109 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women worldwide, yet its magnitude is often underestimated. Biological and gender differences affect health, diagnosis, and healthcare in numerous ways. The lack of sex and gender awareness in health research and healthcare is an ongoing issue that affects not only research but also treatment and outcomes. The importance of recognizing the impacts of both sex and gender on health and of knowing the differences between the two in healthcare is beginning to gain ground. There is more appreciation of the roles that biological differences (sex) and sociocultural power structures (gender) have, and both sex and gender affect health behavior, the development of diseases, their diagnosis, management, and the long-term effects of an illness. An important issue is the knowledge and awareness of women about vascular diseases. The risk of cardiovascular events is drastically underestimated by women themselves, as well as by those around them. The purpose of this review is to draw attention to improving the medical care and treatment of women with vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Farkas
- Department of Angiology, Szent Imre University Teaching Hospital, Tétényi út 12-16, 1115 Budapest, Hungary
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Agata Stanek
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Batorego 15 Street, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Stephanie Zbinden
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Department of Angiology, Zurich University Hospital, Ramistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Borea
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Department of Angiology and Haemostasis, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Genève, Switzerland
| | - Simina Ciurica
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Department of Cardiology, Marie Curie Civil Hospital, CHU Charleroi, Chaussée de Bruxelles 140, 6042 Lodelinsart, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Moore
- European Institute of Women’s Health, Ashgrove House, Kill Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, A96 N9K0 Dublin, Ireland; (V.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Peggy Maguire
- European Institute of Women’s Health, Ashgrove House, Kill Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, A96 N9K0 Dublin, Ireland; (V.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Teresa B. Abola
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Clinical Research Department, Education, Training and Research Services, Philippine Heart Center, University of the Philippines College of Medicine, 547 Pedro Gil Street, Manila 1000, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Elaine B. Alajar
- Manila Doctors Hospital, 667 United Nations Ave, Ermita, Manila 1000, Metro Manila, Philippines;
| | - Antonella Marcoccia
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Angiology and Autoimmunity Medical Unit, Rare Diseases Reference Center for Systemic Sclerosis, Sandro Pertini Hospital, 00157 Rome, Italy
| | - Dilek Erer
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Gazi University Hospital, Mevlana Blv. No:29, Yenimahalle, Ankara 06560, Turkey
| | - Ana I. Casanegra
- Gonda Vascular Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55901, USA;
| | - Hiva Sharebiani
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Support Association of Patients of Buerger’s Disease, Buerger’s Disease NGO, Mashhad 9183785195, Iran
| | - Muriel Sprynger
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Liège, Hospital Boulevard, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Maryam Kavousi
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariella Catalano
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.S.); (S.Z.); (B.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.B.A.); (A.M.); (D.E.); (H.S.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (M.C.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Inter-University Research Center on Vascular Disease, University of Milan, GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy
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Galea M, Brincat MR, Calleja-Agius J. A review of the pathophysiology and evidence-based management of varicoceles and pelvic congestion syndrome. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1597-1608. [PMID: 37190955 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2212846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) in females and varicoceles in males may be regarded as closely related conditions since the main pathophysiological cause for both processes is pelvic venous insufficiency. Varicoceles are more prevalent amongst sub-fertile males, with an approximate incidence of 15% in the general male population. PCS is commonly diagnosed amongst premenopausal multiparous women, representing one of the leading causes of chronic pelvic pain. Both conditions appear to be predominantly left-sided and are associated with oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cascades with subsequent effects on fertility. Clinical examination and pelvic ultrasonography play an essential role in the assessment of varicoceles, PCS and chronic pelvic pain. Venography is generally considered as a gold-standard procedure for both conditions. There is still much debate on how these conditions should be managed. This review article provides a comparative analysis of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of both PCS and varicoceles, their impact on fertility, as well as their clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Galea
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Mark R Brincat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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Darenskaya MA, Semendyaev AA, Stupin DA, Kolesnikov SI, Semenova NV, Pesterev KV, Kolesnikova LI. Blood Cytokines of the Ovarian Vein Basin in Different Stages of Pelvic Varicose Veins. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023; 175:311-314. [PMID: 37566251 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05858-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the blood concentration of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the ovarian vein basin area in women of the reproductive age with primary pelvic varices. Increase in the disease severity was accompanied by a significant increase in proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8) and the proinflammatory index (IL-6/IL-10), whereas anti-inflammatory cytokine production changed ambiguously (increase of IL-4 at stage I, decrease of IL-10 at stage II, significant decrease of IL-4 and IL-10 at stage III). Control of these changes in female patients should probably be an important component of treatment measures and prevention of morphofunctional disorders occurring at disease progression, in particular at stage III of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Darenskaya
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia.
| | - A A Semendyaev
- Irkutsk State Medical University, Ministry of health of the Russian Federation, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - D A Stupin
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
- Irkutsk State Medical University, Ministry of health of the Russian Federation, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - S I Kolesnikov
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - N V Semenova
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - K V Pesterev
- Irkutsk State Medical University, Ministry of health of the Russian Federation, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - L I Kolesnikova
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
- Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk, Russia
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Darenskaya M, Semendyaev AA, Stupin DA, Kolesnikov SI, Semenova NV, Pesterev KV, Kolesnikova LI. CELLULAR AND HUMORAL IMMUNE PARAMETERS IN THE PERIPHERAL AND LOCAL BLOOD FLOW IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY PELVIC VARICOSE. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITY 2023. [DOI: 10.15789/2220-7619-cah-2108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Pelviс varicose veins (PVV) in women is of extremely high relevance due to a close relationship with reproductive disorders and disease relapse. Despite on research in the field, the results of the analysis on immune reactivity in PVV are rather contradictory, and mainly relate to general mechanisms. The study of cell-mediated and humoral arms of adaptive immunity will allow us to assess an intensity and dynamics of PVV progression as well as a potential for using immune status parameters to optimize diagnosis and immunological correction. The aim of this study was to assess characteristics of cellular and humoral immunity in peripheral (ulnar) and local (ovarian) venous pools in women with mild and moderate PVV. The study involved 142 women of reproductive age (mean age - 37.27.1 years) with diagnosed PVV - mild (Group 1) (n=79) and moderate (Group 2) (n=63) forms. Data from 30 apparently healthy women (mean age 33.56.3 years) were in control group. Flow cytometry was used to identify lymphocyte subsets. The functional state of the humoral immunity was assessed by measuring concentration of immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, IgM by using radial immunodiffusion in the gel. According to our data obtained, patients in group 1 had changes found only in the local blood flow such as prominent lymphocytopenia (decreased level of CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocytes). Patients in group 2 were featured with more pronounced changes: increased lymphocyte level, CD3+, CD4+/CD8+, IgA and lower levels of IgM, IgG in peripheral blood; high average leukocyte and lymphocyte count, IgA and reduced levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, IgM and IgG in the local area. It can be concluded that altered parameters in the local blood flow are of primary origin in mild PVV being characterized by disturbed cellular immune arm. Along with increasing disease severity, the host compensatory capabilities decline, which is manifested by pronounced combined immunodeficiency at the level of local blood flow less evident at peripheral level. These results may contribute to a more accurate assessment of intensity and dynamics of PVV progression to optimize diagnostics and immunological correction.
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Hemodynamic and neurobiological factors for the development of chronic pelvic pain in patients with pelvic venous disorder. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2023; 11:610-618.e3. [PMID: 36781107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study was aimed at the identification of hemodynamic and neurobiological factors for the development of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in patients with pelvic venous disorder (PeVD) using ultrasound, radionuclide, and enzyme immunoassay methods. METHODS This cohort study included 110 consecutive patients with PeVD and 20 healthy controls. Seventy patients with PeVD had symptoms (CPP in 100% of cases, discomfort in hypogastrium, dyspareunia, vulvar varices, and dysuria), and 40 were asymptomatic. Patients underwent clinical examination, duplex ultrasound study of the pelvic veins and lower extremities, and single-photon emission computed tomography of the pelvic veins with in vivo labeled red blood cells. The prevalence, duration, severity, and pattern of reflux in the pelvic veins, as well as the severity of pelvic venous congestion, were evaluated. Healthy controls underwent only clinical and duplex ultrasound examination. All 130 patients were assessed using enzyme immunoassays to determine plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP). RESULTS Symptomatic patients with PeVD had a higher prevalence of reflux in the ovarian veins (OVs) than asymptomatic ones (45.7% vs 10%, respectively; P = .001) and a greater reflux duration (4.1 ± 1.7 seconds vs 1.4 ± 0.3 seconds; P = .002), although no differences in the OV diameter were found. Similar results were obtained when comparing the diameters of the parametrial veins (PVs) and the duration of reflux in them. Type II/III reflux (greater than 2 seconds) was identified in 41.4% of symptomatic and in only 5% of asymptomatic patients (P = .001). Among patients with CPP, 24.2% had a combined reflux in the OVs, PVs, and uterine veins, and 45.7% had a combined reflux in the OVs and PVs, whereas 90% of patients without CPP had only an isolated reflux in the PVs. The pelvic venous congestion was moderate or severe in 95.7% of patients with CPP and in only 15% patients without CPP (P = .001). In patients with PeVD, the presence of CPP was associated with higher levels of CGRP and SP compared with asymptomatic patients (CGRP: 0.48 ± 0.06 vs 0.19 ± 0.02 ng/mL, respectively, P = .001; SP: 0.38 ± 0.08 vs 0.13 ± 0.03 ng/mL, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with PeVD, significant hemodynamic and neurobiological factors for the CPP development were found to be reflux in the pelvic veins greater than 2 seconds, involvement of several venous collectors, and increased plasma levels of CGRP and SP.
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Abstract
Pelvic venous disorders (PeVD) also known as Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) affect a great number of women worldwide and often remain undiagnosed. Gynecological symptoms caused by vascular background demand a holistic approach for appropriate diagnosis. This is a relevant cause of chronic pelvic pain and atypical varicose veins. The diagnosis is based on imaging studies and their correlation with clinical presentation. Although the aetiology of PCS still remains unclear, it may result from a combination of factors including genetic predisposition, anatomical abnormalities, hormonal factors, damage to the vein wall, valve dysfunction, reverse blood flow, hypertension and dilatation. The following paper describes an in-depth overview of anatomy, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of PCS. In recent years, minimally invasive interventions have become the method of first choice for the treatment of this condition. The efficacy of a percutaneous approach is high and it is rarely associated with serious complications.Key MessagesPelvic venous disorders demand a holistic approach for appropriate diagnosis.This article takes an in-depth look at existing therapies of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome and pathophysiology of this condition.Embolisation is an effective and safe treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Bałabuszek
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Toborek
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Radosław Pietura
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Cifuentes S, Ulloa JH, Uden EV, Figueroa V, Solano A, Montenegro AC. Painful Ejaculation In A Patient With Pelvic Venous Insufficiency. J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech 2022; 8:602-605. [PMID: 36248386 PMCID: PMC9556572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI) is common in women but has been rarely diagnosed in men. The clinical manifestations include varicocele and pelvic disturbances; however, we were unable to find a previous description of painful ejaculation as a symptom of PVI. We present the case of a 36-year-old man with a 7-year history of severe sharp ejaculatory pain. PVI was suspected after previous treatment attempts. The diagnosis was confirmed by descending phlebography, and he underwent coil embolization of the pelvic vessels and phlebotonic therapy. At 6 months after treatment, he reported a 75% improvement in his condition. Therefore, painful ejaculation should be considered an uncommon manifestation of PVI.
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Relationships of Pelvic Vein Diameter and Reflux with Clinical Manifestations of Pelvic Venous Disorder. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010145. [PMID: 35054312 PMCID: PMC8774919 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The causes of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in patients with pelvic venous disorder (PeVD) are not completely understood. Various authors consider dilation of pelvic veins (PeVs) and pelvic venous reflux (PVR) as the main mechanisms underlying symptomatic forms of PeVD. The aim of this study was to assess relationships of pelvic vein dilation and PVR with clinical manifestations of PeVD. This non-randomized comparative cohort study included 80 female patients with PeVD who were allocated into two groups with symptomatic (n = 42) and asymptomatic (n = 38) forms of the disease. All patients underwent duplex scanning and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of PeVs with in vivo labeled red blood cells (RBCs). The PeV diameters, the presence, duration and pattern of PVR in the pelvic veins, as well as the coefficient of pelvic venous congestion (CPVC) were assessed. Two groups did not differ significantly in pelvic vein diameters (gonadal veins (GVs): 7.7 ± 1.3 vs. 8.5 ± 0.5 mm; parametrial veins (PVs): 9.8 ± 0.9 vs. 9.5 ± 0.9 mm; and uterine veins (UVs): 5.6 ± 0.2 vs. 5.5 ± 0.6 mm). Despite this, CPVC was significantly higher in symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients (1.9 ± 0.4 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2, respectively; p = 0.008). Symptomatic patients had type II or III PVR, while asymptomatic patients had type I PVR. The reflux duration was found to be significantly greater in symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients (median and interquartile range: 4.0 [3.0; 5.0] vs. 1.0 [0; 2.0] s for GVs, p = 0.008; 4.0 [3.0; 5.0] vs. 1.1 [1.0; 2.0] s for PVs, p = 0.007; and 2.0 [2.0; 3.0] vs. 1.0 [1.0; 2.0] s for UVs, p = 0.04). Linear correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship (Pearson's r = 0.78; p = 0.007) of CPP with the PVR duration but not with vein diameter. The grade of PeV dilation may not be a determining factor in CPP development in patients with PeVD. The presence and duration of reflux in the pelvic veins were found to be predictors of the development of symptomatic PeVD.
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Pelvic venous pain due to pelvic congestion syndrome is becoming a primary diagnosis. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 9:1425. [PMID: 34657669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Bartl T, Wolf F, Dadak C. Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) as a pathology of postmenopausal women: a case report with literature review. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:181. [PMID: 33906668 PMCID: PMC8077810 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01323-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Due to the scarcity of adequately powered, randomized controlled trials and internationally standardized diagnostic criteria, evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is limited. Earlier epidemiologic observations led to the attribution of PCS to the premenopausal state, and a remission of symptoms after menopause is frequently described a hallmark of the pathology. This concept has currently been challenged by radiological studies reporting a notable prevalence of ovarian venous congestion in adult female patients of advanced age. PCS as a pathology of postmenopausal women, however, has not been acknowledged by systematic research to date, impeding appropriate diagnostics and therapy for affected patients. Case presentation A 69-year-old postmenopausal patient presented with newly diagnosed dilated and insufficient pelvic veins in combination with characteristic pain anamnesis, thereby fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of PCS. Interventional coil embolization of both ovarian veins as a standard treatment previously described for premenopausal patients was successfully performed, resulting in prompt alleviation of symptoms. The patient remained symptom-free at the 18-month follow-up visit. Conclusions Given this first systematically documented case of a patient with postmenopausal symptomatic PCS in the light of recently published data on the prevalence of ovarian venous congestion in patients of advanced age, it may be assumed that PCS is not to be considered a pathology strictly limited to premenopausal state. Further clinical studies expanding the diagnostic scope beyond menopause may help to substantiate evidence and subsequently define standardized therapeutic approaches for affected postmenopausal patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bartl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of General Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Florian Wolf
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Dadak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of General Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Hirsch T, Wohlgemuth WA. Pelvines Stauungssyndrom: Wie wird die Diagnose gesichert, wer muss behandelt werden? PHLEBOLOGIE 2020. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1195-4284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungUnterleibsbeschwerden waren lange Zeit die Domäne von Gynäkologen, Internisten und Urologen. Die Erkenntnis, dass auch eine venöse Abstrombehinderung im kleinen Becken bzw. im Abdomen ähnliche Beschwerden hervorrufen kann, hat dazu geführt, dass in den letzten Jahren auch Gefäßmediziner in die Diagnostik und Behandlung einbezogen werden.Das pelvine Stauungssyndrom kann eine Vielzahl von auch nichtspezifischen Beschwerden verursachen. Die differenzialdiagnostische Abgrenzung zu gynäkologischen, internistischen oder auch orthopädischen Störungen stellt damit eine Herausforderung dar. Die akribische Anamneseerhebung und Symptombeschreibung sind von übergeordneter Bedeutung. In der weiteren Diagnostik kommt der Sonografie die wichtigste Bedeutung zu, die durch radiologische Schichtbildverfahren ergänzt werden kann. Wird vor allem eine Varikose im Genitalbereich beklagt, ist zu klären, ob es sich um eine venöse Insuffizienz im Bereich der Vena iliaca interna bzw. der Vena ovarica handelt oder ob postthrombotische Veränderungen eine Rolle spielen. Bei pelvinen und abdominellen Schmerzzuständen müssen zusätzlich die Nierenvenen und die untere Hohlvene beurteilt werden.Nur wenn die Störung differenzialdiagnostisch sicher abgegrenzt werden kann, ist eine invasive Behandlung durch Katheterverfahren und/oder Schaumsklerotherapie angezeigt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Hirsch
- Praxis für Innere Medizin und Gefäßkrankheiten, Venen-Kompetenz-Zentrum®, Halle (Saale)
| | - Walter A. Wohlgemuth
- Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Halle, Halle (Saale)
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