Acquired venous disease of the lower urinary tract

Thrombosis of the vena cava, femoral veins or iliac veins can result in the formation of large collateral veins in the pelvis and retroperitoneum which are often asymptomatic but which may cause severe bleeding and produce major difficulties in urological management. Such abnormalities are a rare cause of urological symptoms but may be difficult to diagnose unless a high index of suspicion is maintained. Three patients are reported who developed significant urological problems as a consequence of acquired venous disease; the use of ultrasound, venography and CT in the diagnosis of this condition is described.