Is round ligament varicosity in pregnancy a common precursor for the later development of inguinal hernias? The prospective analysis of 28 patients over 9 years.

PURPOSE: Short-term effects of round ligament varicosity (RLV) in pregnancy have been investigated in small-scale studies. The long-term effects are unknown. This study aims to evaluate the risk of groin hernia manifestation after RLV in pregnancy, to delineate possible risk factors and to analyze the natural course of pregnancy and post-partum period with regard to RLV. METHODS: In a prospective analysis 28 pregnant women with RLV presented to the hernia clinic over 9 years. After clinical and ultrasound examination during pregnancy and publication of early results in 2013 a second structured follow-up was conducted. Demographic data, hernia-specific risk factors, comorbidities, pregnancy and birth-related data as well as post-partum period were documented without loss of follow-up. In these women, all pregnancies that occurred, including the ones without RLV, were analyzed. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 68 months (11.4-104.9). Only one groin hernia was found. No risk factors could be identified. After uncomplicated childbirth complaints subsided spontaneously in all but one patient within 4 weeks. Recurrence rates in subsequent pregnancies are up to 89%. CONCLUSION: Temporary RLV-induced dilation of the deep inguinal ring in pregnancy is not a common precursor for the development of inguinal hernias later in life. All findings support the theory that the hindrance of venous blood flow caused by the gravid uterus is an important contributing factor for RLV in pregnancy, which is self-limited but has a high risk of recurrence and is not an indication for surgery before or after delivery or for cesarean section.

Postpartum haemorrhage requiring embolisation of a hypertrophied round ligament artery.

A gravida 4 para 1021, 41-year-old woman postcaesarean section at 39 weeks and 1 day with clinically significant haemorrhage required embolisation of unique uterine arterial collaterals. She had persistent haemorrhage after initial bilateral uterine artery embolisation, and on further investigation she was found to have a hypertrophied right round ligament artery. Once successful embolisation of this abnormal right round ligament artery was completed using a combination of Gelfoam and coils, haemostasis was achieved. She had rapid clinical improvement, no complications and no further admissions on postprocedural follow-up over a year and a half later.

Risk factors for massive bleeding based on angiographic findings in patients with placenta previa and accreta who underwent balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery during cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the risk factors for massive bleeding based on angiographic findings in patients with placenta previa and accreta who underwent balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery (BOIA) during cesarean section. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis using the clinical records of 42 patients with placenta previa and accreta who underwent BOIA during cesarean section between 2006 and 2017 in Gunma university hospital. We reviewed incidence of collateral arteries to the uterus on the initial aortography. We evaluated the visualization of the ovarian artery arising directly from the abdominal aorta, round ligament artery arising from the external iliac artery/inferior epigastric artery, and the iliolumbar artery. In addition, the clinical characteristics were reviewed. Patients with an estimated blood loss during delivery of >2500 ml, >4 packed red blood cell transfusions, uterine artery embolization after delivery, or hysterectomy were defined as the massive bleeding group. We compared between the massive and non-massive bleeding groups. RESULTS: 20 patients (48%) had a massive bleeding. No procedure-related severe complications were observed. The massive and non-massive bleeding groups differed in terms of operation time (p < 0.001), hysterectomy (p < 0.001), post-operative hospital stay (p < 0.05), and visualization of round ligament arteries to the uterus [15/20 (75%) patients, p < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: The incidence of collateral blood supply from a round ligament artery to the uterus may be a risk factor for massive bleeding in patients with placenta previa and accreta who have undergone BOIA during cesarean section. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Angiographic visualization of collateral circulation from the round ligament artery to the uterus may be a risk factor for massive bleeding in patients with placenta previa and accreta who have undergone BOIA during cesarean section.

A Case of Round Ligament Varices Presenting in Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Round ligament varices (RLV) are rare and are almost exclusively seen in pregnant women. RLV may clinically resemble an inguinal hernia, inguinal mass, or other pathology involving the inguinal canal and round ligament. Ultrasound imaging is important to make the diagnosis of RLV. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old Hispanic woman, gravida 1 para 0, at 34 weeks gestation, presented to our outpatient department with a complaint of a small, painless, reducible right inguinal mass. Gray-scale sonography showed an asymmetric right inguinal anechoic mass composed of multiple serpentine tubular channels, which became more prominent when the patient performed a Valsalva maneuver. Color Doppler ultrasound imaging showed a hyper vascular structure with a venous flow pattern, consistent with RLV. The patient was treated conservatively and had an uneventful vaginal delivery at 38 weeks gestation. At two weeks postpartum, the RLV spontaneously regressed and her symptoms completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS RLV is a rare condition that should be recognized and diagnosed promptly to prevent patients from undergoing unnecessary surgical exploration. Ultrasound is the diagnostic imaging procedure of choice for the diagnosis of RLV, as well as for patient follow-up and to exclude possible complications associated with RLV.

Forty-one cases of round ligament varicosities that are easily misdiagnosed as inguinal hernias.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the benefit and safety of conservative therapy for round ligament varicosities (RLVs) that are easily misdiagnosed as inguinal hernias. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical materials of 41 consecutive cases of RLVs diagnosed by ultrasound in a single hospital from January 2011 to December 2015. Misdiagnosis rate, clinical and sonographic features, management after diagnosis and prognosis were recorded. RESULTS: All forty-one cases were pregnant females in their second or third trimester. Twenty-eight cases were first misdiagnosed as inguinal hernias (68.3%). Thirty cases presented as reducible swelling in the inguinal area (73.2%), and twenty-five of which were painful (61.0%). Four cases only felt pain in the inguinal area without swelling (9.7%). Seven cases had no obvious discomfort (17.1%). All cases were diagnosed as RLVs by gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasonography and justified a wait-and-see strategy. Thirty-seven cases were followed until total recovery after delivery (follow-up rate 90.2%). Swelling with or without pain disappeared spontaneously postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: RLVs are easily misdiagnosed as inguinal hernias and color Doppler of the inguinal area is the best examination for making the correct diagnosis. Conservative therapy for RLV is beneficial and safe when assured by color Doppler.

Suspected inguinal hernias in pregnancy--handle with care!

PURPOSE: With a newly described diagnostic pathway, we aim to avoid unnecessary surgical exploration for suspected symptomatic groin hernias in pregnancy. METHODS: A consecutive series of eighteen pregnant women was referred to our department due to a gradual onset of inguinal swelling and groin ache. In a prospective clinical study, we evaluated these patients clinically and employed grey-scale and colour Doppler sonography (CDS) in all cases--following a newly described pathway. All patients were examined pre- and post-partum by two qualified surgeons. Median follow-up time was 11 months. RESULTS: 4/18 of the suspected hernias first occurred towards the end of the first, the majority (12/18) in the second, 2/18 in the last trimester and all were suspected after clinical examination only. Most women were referred by their gynaecologists. We found no hernias in any of the women but always noted large varicose veins along the round ligament during CDS. All women gave uncomplicated birth to single children, one by caesarean section. Complaints subsided spontaneously within roughly 2 weeks after delivery. No patient developed a groin hernia until the end of the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of an inguinal hernia with a first symptomatic onset during pregnancy may be wrong in most cases. Anamnesis and clinical examination must be backed by CDS and round ligament varicosity as an important differential diagnosis must always be considered. Our structured diagnostic pathway helps to easily make the correct diagnosis. Surgical exploration of the groin during pregnancy must be avoided.

Round ligament varicosities: a rare cause of groin swelling in pregnancy.

Round ligament varicosities (RLVs) are rare, and only occur in pregnancy. The swelling due to RLVs mimics an inguinal hernia and generally resolves spontaneously after delivery. Distinguishing between varicosities and hernias is critical to avoid unnecessary surgeries on pregnant women. We aimed to determine the significance of RLVs during pregnancy and to review and describe their clinical and sonographic characteristics. All patients were diagnosed by gray scale and color Doppler ultrasonography, managed conservatively, and RLVs regressed spontaneously postpartum.

Round ligament varicosities associated with uterine varicosities in pregnancy: a case report.

Round ligament varicosities associated with uterine varicosities are rare during pregnancy. We report the case of a pregnant woman with a painful mass in her left groin at 32 weeks' gestation. Ultrasound revealed multiple distended veins within the left round ligament and over the uterus. The patient was treated by close observation and had a vaginal delivery of a healthy baby.

Bilateral round ligament varicosities mimicking an inguinal hernia in pregnancy: case report.

A 22-year-old pregnant woman presented with a painful swelling in the right groin. Sonography was performed to confirm a presumptive diagnosis of inguinal hernia based on physical examination. Gray-scale sonography examination revealed bilateral inguinal cystic lesion expanding with the Valsalva maneuver. Color Doppler imaging demonstrated multiple prominent vessels with retrograde venous flow during Valsalva maneuver. Bilateral round ligament varicosities were diagnosed and inguinal hernia was excluded by sonographic findings. Round ligament varicosities should be considered in the differential diagnosis of groin swelling during pregnancy.

Varices of the round ligament mimicking an inguinal hernia--an important differential diagnosis during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a recognised risk factor for the development of inguinal hernias due to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Whilst often managed conservatively until after the pregnancy, if the hernia presents acutely as a painful or tender groin lump, urgent or emergency repair may be required. Many clinicians rely heavily on clinical examination alone in order to diagnose the presence of such a hernia. In pregnancy, however, in order to prevent unnecessary surgery, the use of ultrasound has a more important role to play in reaching this diagnosis. We report a cautionary case that highlights the need for ultrasound evaluation of all painful groin lumps in pregnant women prior to considering surgery.

[Varices in the round ligament]. / Varices en el ligamento redondo.

Varices in the round ligament are very rare and have only been reported in pregnant women as an inguinal mass normally detected in the third trimester of gestation. B-mode and Doppler color ultrasonography are fundamental tools in the diagnosis, because they make it possible to reach a conclusive diagnosis and to rule out other clinically possible inguinal masses. Given that the treatment is conservative, it is essential for the radiologist to be familiar with this condition and its ultrasonographic characteristics to enable the correct diagnosis and avoid unnecessary surgical exploration.

[Round ligament varicosities mimicking inguinal hernia during pregnancy]. / Een reponibele zwelling in de lies bij een zwangere: varicositas van het ligamentum teres uteri.

3 pregnant women, aged 34, 28, and 39 years respectively, presented with an inguinal swelling. In one patient the swelling was bilateral and painful. Reposition was possible and ultrasound examination revealed round ligament varicosities, the most common cause of an inguinal swelling during pregnancy. Expectative treatment is advised as the condition usually disappears after parturition. It is concluded that in every pregnant woman with an inguinal swelling, sonography with doppler imaging must be performed to confirm the diagnosis of round ligament varicosities to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Bilateral round ligament varicosities mimicking inguinal hernia during pregnancy.

Round ligament varicosities during pregnancy have not been reported extensively. The swelling mimics an inguinal hernia and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a groin swelling during pregnancy. We report a case of a pregnant woman with bilateral round ligament varicosities. At 22 weeks of pregnancy she was operated on based on the clinical suspicion of a painful inguinal hernia on the right side. Surgical exploration revealed varicosities of the round ligament, and resection was performed. Four weeks later the same diagnosis was made by duplex sonography of a painful swelling in the left groin. Increased pain necessitated surgical exploration and resection of the varicosities on the left side. The postoperative course on both sides was uneventful and without pain during the rest of her pregnancy, during labor or post partum.

Characteristic of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging finding of thrombosed varices of the round ligament of the uterus: a case report.

A 37-year-old woman presented with a painful mass lesion in her right inguinal region, 6 days after normal vaginal delivery. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a serpentine mass lesion containing blood elements along the inguinal course of the round ligament continuous to the labium majus. Although thrombosed varices of the round ligament is a rare condition, it should be distinguished from other inguinal masses to prevent unnecessary surgical treatments.