Correlation between pelvic congestion syndrome and body mass index

Previous studies of men suggested that patients with varicocele may be leaner than the normal population. No such work exists in women with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). This study evaluated the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and PCS.

A case-control study at a single institution was performed of women who had the objective diagnosis of PCS. Data were prospectively collected for 100 consecutive patients with PCS. BMI was calculated for every patient and categorized into normal weight (BMI <25), overweight (BMI 25-29.9), and obese (BMI >30). Diagnosis of PCS was made by ultrasound and venography. Mean BMI was compared with that of the general female population of the United States from 1999 to 2002. Furthermore, analyses included comparison of patients with and without ovarian vein dilation and pelvic varices.

There were 100 women with a median age of 44 years (range, 24-73 years). The mean BMI of the study group was 25 ± 5.6 kg/m². The cohort was categorized into 59 women with normal BMI, 23 overweight women, and 18 obese women. The study cohort's BMI was less than that of the general U.S. female population (P = .02). The majority of the study group were white with lower BMI (P < .0001). Leg varicosities were more prevalent in obese patients (100% obese vs 81% normal BMI; P = .01). Patients with ovarian vein dilation had significantly lower BMI (24.1 ± 5.6 kg/m² and 26.7 ± 5.4 kg/m²; P = .036). No differences were identified for pelvic varices or reflux.

Women with PCS are more likely to have a normal BMI with ovarian vein dilation compared with obese women, who are more frequently affected by leg varicosities.