Can severe reflux in common femoral vein be caused by obstruction in the pelvic veins?

I'm 24 weeks pregnant and had venous doppler of low extremities to rule out DVT due to swelling in left thigh. It showed no clots, but showed that I have severe reflux in common femoral and femoral veins. Could this be due to a clot that was missed?

Answers from doctors (4)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Dec 18, 2012

Reflux in the deep vein can cause severe swelling and pain. Reflux is caused by the malfunction of the valves in the veins that help with pumping the blood back to the heart. If those valves are not working, the blood does not get back to the heart like it should, staying in the leg, causing pain/swelling/heaviness. Being pregnant does not help reflux at all, due to the increase in blood flow, but after the pregnancy, you may see some improvement in that area. It is best to keep a close eye on it with your doctor, especially during the pregnancy.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Reflux in the deep vein can cause severe swelling and pain. Reflux is caused by the malfunction of the valves in the veins that help with pumping the blood back to the heart. If those valves are not working, the blood does not get back to the heart like it should, staying in the leg, causing pain/swelling/heaviness. Being pregnant does not help reflux at all, due to the increase in blood flow, but after the pregnancy, you may see some improvement in that area. It is best to keep a close eye on it with your doctor, especially during the pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 14, 2012

Venous duplex is very accurate but only up to the common femoral vein in the groin. There are certain venous duplex findings that can suggest a higher venous problem, but the best way to visualize the distal vena cava and iliac veins would be by an MRV or CT venous phase of the abdomen and pelvis. Both of these tests, however, carry increased risks of radiation exposure. You should speak with both your OB doctor and vascular surgeon before proceeding with any of these tests. Reflux in the common femoral veins could be a normal variant or a result of the pregnancy and may have nothing to do with a proximal clot if present.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Venous duplex is very accurate but only up to the common femoral vein in the groin. There are certain venous duplex findings that can suggest a higher venous problem, but the best way to visualize the distal vena cava and iliac veins would be by an MRV or CT venous phase of the abdomen and pelvis. Both of these tests, however, carry increased risks of radiation exposure. You should speak with both your OB doctor and vascular surgeon before proceeding with any of these tests. Reflux in the common femoral veins could be a normal variant or a result of the pregnancy and may have nothing to do with a proximal clot if present.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Dec 13, 2012

Probably not. The reflux may be a complication of your pregnancy and it may resolve after you deliver. You should wear compression as much as possible during the pregnancy and get another u-sound about 2 months after you deliver.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Probably not. The reflux may be a complication of your pregnancy and it may resolve after you deliver. You should wear compression as much as possible during the pregnancy and get another u-sound about 2 months after you deliver.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Dec 13, 2012

Very unlikely. That venous Doppler is just appropriate for a pregnant woman. You will need your legs veins to be re-evaluated after the delivery.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Very unlikely. That venous Doppler is just appropriate for a pregnant woman. You will need your legs veins to be re-evaluated after the delivery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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