Related Experiment Videos
Using the ovarian vein to find the ovary
1Department of Radiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. sgovil@touchtelindia.net
Abdominal Imaging
|February 9, 2006
Summary
The ovarian vein, identifiable on computed tomography (CT) scans, can reliably locate the ovary. Tracing this vein helps differentiate ovarian from non-ovarian pelvic masses.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pelvic Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Accurate localization of pelvic organs is crucial for diagnosing masses.
- The ovarian vein's anatomical course and visibility on imaging require further investigation for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of the ovarian vein as a landmark for ovarian localization on computed tomography (CT).
- To assess if ovarian vein tracing can aid in differentiating ovarian from non-ovarian pelvic masses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of contrast-enhanced abdominal and pelvic CT scans from 68 adult women.
- Identification and tracing of ovarian veins from their termination into the pelvis using venous phase images.
Main Results:
- Ovarian veins were successfully identified in 135 out of 136 cases (99.3%).
- Visualized ovarian veins consistently led to either a normal ovary or an ovarian mass.
- Ovarian vein displacement accurately reflected ovarian displacement due to pelvic pathology.
- Ovarian veins correctly identified normal ovaries even when displaced by non-ovarian pelvic masses.
Conclusions:
- The ovarian vein is a consistent and reliable landmark for ovarian localization on CT.
- Tracing the ovarian vein is a valuable method for determining the nature (ovarian vs. non-ovarian) of pelvic masses.