Dilatation of suprapubic veins as a manifestation of pelvic varicose veins: description of a clinical case

Abstract

The presence of dilated suprapubic veins (suprapubic shunt) is considered to be a classic symptom of post-thrombotic and non-thrombotic venous outflow obstruction. Meanwhile, the descriptions of isolated cases of the creation of a suprapubic shunt during pregnancy in women with pelvic varicose disease are presented in the literature. We present a clinical case report of successful treatment of pelvic varicose disease with the presence of dilated veins in the suprapubic region. A 33-year-old patient complained of the presence of varicose veins in the lower extremities, in the perineum and suprapubic region, heaviness and pain in the lower extremities, a periodic heavy feeling and burning in the varicose vein area, painful menstruation and pain during intercourse. The symptoms appeared and progressed during four pregnancies, after the last one the patient noted the appearance of dilated veins in the suprapubic region. The ultrasound angiography of the lower extremity veins revealed valvular incompetence of the saphenofemoral junction and the trunks of the great saphenous vein bilaterally, the left anterior accessory saphenous vein, signs of pelvioperineal reflux, dilated veins of the perineum and round ligament of the uterus. The first stage surgery involved phlebography and embolization of the ovarian veins bilaterally. The patient showed positive response to treatment, which resulted in relief of dyspareunia and reduction of algodismenorrhea. The second stage surgery involved endovenous laser coagulation of the trunks of the great saphenous vein bilaterally and the left anterior accessory saphenous vein. Varicose vein tributaries on the lower extremities were removed by means of miniphlebectomy, while varicose veins of the perineum and suprapubic region were obliterated by foam sclerotherapy. Three months after the intervention, the patient had a stable obliteration of all target veins, clinical improvement, disappearance of dilated veins in the suprapubic region, regression of pain in the lower extremities and complete relief of dyspareunia and algodismenorrhea. Thus, the presence of varicose veins in the suprapubic region can be not only a consequence of venous obstruction, but also a symptom of pelvic varicose disease. If a suprapubic shunt is identified, a detailed examination of the patient, including imaging methods for evaluating abdominal or pelvic veins is required. The results of the tests will help develop an individual treatment plan.