Incompetent and Dilated Ovarian Veins: A Common CT Finding in Asymptomatic Parous Women

Incompetent and dilated ovarian veins have been reported in association with pelvic congestion syndrome. We postulate that incompetent and dilated ovarian veins are often an incidental CT finding, with a low diagnostic value. To verify our hypothesis, we studied the frequency of incompetent and dilated ovarian veins seen on CT in asymptomatic women. We retrospectively analyzed helical CT scans and medical records of 34 consecutive female renal donors between 18 and 46 years old (mean age, 33 years). An incompetent and dilated ovarian vein was defined as a contrast-filled vein measuring 7 mm or greater, seen during the arterial phase of helical CT. Incompetent and dilated ovarian veins were found in 16 (47%) of 34 asymptomatic women. All 16 women had left ovarian vein involvement; six (37.5%) had bilateral involvement. The mean diameters for the left and right (incompetent and dilated) ovarian veins were 9.1 mm and 8.8 mm, respectively (range, 7-12 mm). Of 16 women with incompetent and dilated ovarian veins, 15 (94%) were parous. Of 18 women with normal ovarian veins, nine (50%) were parous. Overall, incompetent and dilated ovarian veins were found in 15 (63%) of 24 parous women, and in one (10%) of 10 nonparous women (p < 0.05). Incompetent and dilated ovarian veins are frequently seen on CT in asymptomatic parous women. As an isolated finding, it is unlikely to be associated with pelvic congestion syndrome.