Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

What is pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS)?

PCS is a painful condition caused by enlarging veins within the pelvis. It often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to many other conditions, including uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and cystitis (bladder inflammation). Women of childbearing age and who have had more than one pregnancy are at the highest risk for developing PCS.

Diagnosing PCS

The most common symptom of PCS is a heavy, aching pelvic pain that lasts longer than 6 months. It typically starts during or after a pregnancy, and may worsen over time. MRI is the best non-invasive test to formally diagnose this condition. Pelvic venography is also an accurate test, and requires the injection of an x-ray dye into the veins.

Treatment

Conservative treatment approaches include gonadotropin-releasing hormone medications, which are designed to block ovarian function and may relieve pain, as well as progestin hormone medications. If conservative treatment is not working or alleviating symptoms, there is a minimally invasive option available from the doctors at Memphis Vascular Center – Ovarian Vein Embolization (OVE).

How is the OVE procedure performed?

The enlarged veins that cause pelvic congestion syndrome are very similar to varicose veins. As such, they can be shut off or “embolized” with an easy, non-surgical treatment option. Ovarian vein embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist who inserts a catheter through the skin, and then uses imaging to guide the catheter to the treatment site. Once there, a special medication (embolic agent) is injected into the veins. This causes them to seal shut. Blood is re-routed through other, healthy veins and over time the sealed vein shrinks and becomes absorbed by the body.

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