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Round ligament varices: sonographic appearance in pregnancy
D A McKenna1, J T Carter, L Poder
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0628, USA.
Summary
Round ligament varices (RLV) are a common cause of groin masses in pregnant women. Ultrasound diagnosis prevents unnecessary surgery, as RLV typically resolve postpartum.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Vascular Imaging
- Surgical Diagnosis
Background:
- Round ligament varices (RLV) can mimic inguinal hernias during pregnancy.
- Accurate diagnosis of RLV is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and associated morbidity.
Observation:
- Five pregnant patients presented with symptoms suggestive of inguinal hernia.
- All patients underwent ultrasound examination.
- Clinical diagnosis of RLV was confirmed via sonography.
Findings:
- RLV were diagnosed in all five patients presenting with groin masses.
- Conservative management was successful for all cases.
- Spontaneous resolution of RLV occurred postpartum in all patients.
Implications:
- Sonography is a reliable diagnostic tool for identifying RLV in pregnant women.
- Considering RLV in the differential diagnosis of groin masses can prevent unnecessary surgical exploration.
- Timely diagnosis of RLV reduces patient morbidity and healthcare costs.
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