Soft-tissue CT changes in pelvic venous thrombosis

The computed tomographic (CT) changes in the soft tissues of the pelvis are presented in three patients with pelvic venous thrombosis. Pelvic venous thrombosis may lead to swelling of surrounding muscles and may present as a pelvic mass. This mass can simulate a tumor clinically, radiographically, and sonographically, but its origin and cause can be demonstrated by CT. Proper understanding of such changes may prevent an erroneous diagnosis of enlarged pelvic lymph nodes or an inflammatory or neoplastic mass.