[Pelvic pain of venous origin]

Although the causes of chronic unrecognized pelvic pain are multifactorial, most investigators observe circulatory disturbance as being a main etiological factor, in particular if the patient has a retroverted uterus. We examined 50 patients who were diagnosed to have this condition, comparing data obtained by hysterophlebography and laparoscopy, with complementary but sometimes differing results, which, in any event, are not sufficient to establish the diagnosis, thereby leading us to offer a method to measure uterine blood flow using a radioisotope of Xe 133. It is certain that better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disorder would provide an improved therapeutic approach. Here too, the value of laparoscopy must be emphasized, because of its contribution both to positive as well as differential diagnosis.