Ovarian Vein Thrombosis: An Unusual Cause of Abdominal Pain in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that is usually seen in the intrapartum or postpartum period but can also be seen in patients with risk factors for venous thromboembolism. When symptomatic, it usually presents with abdominal pain and other vague constitutional symptoms, hence it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of this condition when evaluating patients with risk factors. We present a rare case of OVT in a patient with breast cancer. Due to a lack of clear guidelines regarding the treatment and duration of treatment in non-pregnancyrelated OVT, we followed the guidelines for the treatment of venous thromboembolism and started the patient on rivaroxaban for a three-month duration with close outpatient follow-up.

Imaging Findings of Ovarian Vein Thrombosis

“…When OVT occurs on the right side, patients may present with abdominal pain which simulates acute appendicitis [6]. OVT develops frequently in post-hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy patients; also, it has been reported to occur in patients with malignancy [8]. When patients are outside the peripartum period, the diagnosis is challenging and requires a high suspicion index.…”