Round ligament varicosity: a rare cause of inguinal swelling

Round ligament varicosity: a rare but important differential diagnosis of groin lumps during pregnancy

Round ligament varicosity is rare and mainly reported during pregnancy. A systematic review of the literature identified 48 relevant studies reporting a total of 159 cases of round ligament varicosity, 158 of which were associated with pregnancy. Where reported, the mean age of the patients was 30.65 years, and 60.2% were of Asian ethnicity. The laterality of the condition was almost equally distributed, and nearly 50% presented with a painful groin lump. More than 90% of the patients were diagnosed via Doppler ultrasound scan of the affected groin. Conservative management was successful in more than 90% of the patients. Associated maternal complications are rare, with no mortality reported. No fetal complications or loss were reported. Round ligament varicosity can be misdiagnosed as a groin hernia, which may lead to unnecessary surgery during pregnancy. Therefore, increased awareness of this condition among clinicians is important.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of round ligament varicosities mimicking inguinal hernia: report of two cases with literature review

Round ligament varicosities are rare, and the mass mimics an inguinal hernia. Round ligament varicosities should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a groin swelling in a female, especially during pregnancy. The diagnosis of round ligament varicosities can be established on grayscale and color Doppler ultrasonography. We report two cases of round ligament varicosities in a 33-year-old non pregnant woman and a 28-year-old pregnant woman, and these patients were diagnosed using ultrasonography. We also reviewed the literature on round ligament varicosities including the present cases. Ultrasonography is diagnostic and can prevent unnecessary surgical intervention and associated morbidity.

Round ligament varicosities associated with uterine varicosities in pregnancy: a case report

Round ligament varicosities associated with uterine varicosities are rare during pregnancy. We report the case of a pregnant woman with a painful mass in her left groin at 32 weeks' gestation. Ultrasound revealed multiple distended veins within the left round ligament and over the uterus. The patient was treated by close observation and had a vaginal delivery of a healthy baby.