Does abdominal pain indicate pelvic congestion syndrome?

After a total hysterectomy in 2001 for polysistic ovaries my doctor said I had pelvic congestion. After years of terrible pelvic lower abdominal and lower back pain, I had a CT scan. The doctor said the scan was "normal." Do you have any advice for next steps?

Answers from doctors (5)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 28, 2019

There are many causes of abdominal pain. Pelvic congestion syndrome is best diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound or a CT or MRV, where the focus of the investigation is on the status of the pelvic veins. This would not be seen on a routine CT.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There are many causes of abdominal pain. Pelvic congestion syndrome is best diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound or a CT or MRV, where the focus of the investigation is on the status of the pelvic veins. This would not be seen on a routine CT.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 14, 2017

You should be evaluated by an interventional radiologist who specializes in PCS. He will do an MRV with contrast and will be able to treat at the same time if anything is seen.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You should be evaluated by an interventional radiologist who specializes in PCS. He will do an MRV with contrast and will be able to treat at the same time if anything is seen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 13, 2017

The definitive test for pelvic congestion syndrome is a CT or MRI venogram.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

The definitive test for pelvic congestion syndrome is a CT or MRI venogram.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Aug 07, 2012

The quality of pelvic and abdominal CT varies considerably depending on technique and who is reading the CT. A CT venogram requires timing the CT scans correctly to pick up on the IV contrast in the veins of the pelvis. A very specialized abdominal/pelvic venous color duplex ultrasound study may provide helpful information that may not be found on the CT. Ultrasound can evaluate flow, while the CT does not directly evaluate flow. It is important also to know that some patients with symptoms of pelvic venous congestion actually have a compression of the iliac vein, causing enlargement of pelvic veins to carry blood from the leg and pelvis around the iliac vein obstruction.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

The quality of pelvic and abdominal CT varies considerably depending on technique and who is reading the CT. A CT venogram requires timing the CT scans correctly to pick up on the IV contrast in the veins of the pelvis. A very specialized abdominal/pelvic venous color duplex ultrasound study may provide helpful information that may not be found on the CT. Ultrasound can evaluate flow, while the CT does not directly evaluate flow. It is important also to know that some patients with symptoms of pelvic venous congestion actually have a compression of the iliac vein, causing enlargement of pelvic veins to carry blood from the leg and pelvis around the iliac vein obstruction.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Aug 07, 2012

A pelvic ultrasound would be necessary to diagnose Pelvic congestion syndrome.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

A pelvic ultrasound would be necessary to diagnose Pelvic congestion syndrome.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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