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Pelvic phleboliths: is there an association with diverticulitis?
E H de Vries1, A Z Ginai, S G Robben
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital Dijkzigt, The Netherlands.
The British Journal of Radiology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Pelvic phleboliths, calcifications in pelvic veins, increase in number with advancing age. Other proposed links to diverticular disease or diet were not statistically significant in this study.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Pelvic phleboliths are common incidental findings in radiology.
- Their exact cause (pathogenesis) remains unclear.
- Previous studies suggested links to diverticular disease, low-fiber diets, female sex, and left-sided pelvic location.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between pelvic phleboliths and diverticulitis, diverticulosis, sex, age, and pelvic location.
- To clarify the factors influencing phlebolith prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient data.
- Evaluation of pelvic phlebolith presence and number.
- Statistical correlation with clinical factors: diverticulitis, diverticulosis, sex, age, and pelvic location.
Main Results:
- The only statistically significant finding was a positive correlation between the number of pelvic phleboliths and increasing age.
- No significant association was found with diverticulitis, diverticulosis, sex, or pelvic location.
Conclusions:
- Advancing age is a significant factor associated with an increased number of pelvic phleboliths.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the pathogenesis and clinical significance of pelvic phleboliths.