Transvaginal Color Doppler for the Visualization of Pelvic Vein Thrombosis during Pregnancy

Introduction

Deep vein thrombosis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in certain high-risk groups, such as gynecological and oncologic surgery patients and pregnant women (Nelson SM et al. Obstet Gynecol Clin N Am 2006; 33: 413 – 427).

Normally the external and common iliac veins can be visualized by transabdominal ultrasound, but during pregnancy the gravid uterus often limits the examination of these vessels.

This report describes a case of thrombosis starting from the proximal half of the tibial veins and extending to the iliacal vessels. The report emphasizes the importance of the diagnostic implementation of transvaginal B-mode, color and pW-Doppler during pregnancy.