My CT scan shows pelvic congestion syndrome but my doc says the scan cannot be used to make the diagnosis, why is that?

My CT scan shows pelvic congestion syndrome. However, my ob/gyn says that although the CT scan shows that, the scan cannot be used to diagnose the syndrome. Why is that? I have been experiencing pelvic/abdominal pain for over two months.

Answers from doctors (5)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jun 28, 2017

Diagnosis is typically made with a combination of symptomatology and and MRV (magnetic resonance venography by a board certified invasive radiologist who specializes in this treatment. Testing and treatment can often be done at the same time.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Diagnosis is typically made with a combination of symptomatology and and MRV (magnetic resonance venography by a board certified invasive radiologist who specializes in this treatment. Testing and treatment can often be done at the same time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 10, 2013

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a difficult diagnosis to make. There are many people out there who may have large dilated veins in their pelvic region and not necessarily have pelvic congestion syndrome. A dilated vein(s) does not mean that the vein is not functioning properly. A CT will not show you this. The fact that you have pain is a possible clue, but there are a lot of things that can cause pelvic/abdominal pain. All possible causes of your pain needs to be considered before getting labeled with PCS. If you are really wanting to find out, there are other tests that your local radiology dept can run that will give you a better feel for the cause of your pain.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a difficult diagnosis to make. There are many people out there who may have large dilated veins in their pelvic region and not necessarily have pelvic congestion syndrome. A dilated vein(s) does not mean that the vein is not functioning properly. A CT will not show you this. The fact that you have pain is a possible clue, but there are a lot of things that can cause pelvic/abdominal pain. All possible causes of your pain needs to be considered before getting labeled with PCS. If you are really wanting to find out, there are other tests that your local radiology dept can run that will give you a better feel for the cause of your pain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Palm Vein Center

Published on Oct 08, 2013

We recommend having an abdominal ultrasound to further evaluate for PCS. A CT scan should be used to correlate with the ultrasound findings in making that determination.

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Answered by Palm Vein Center

We recommend having an abdominal ultrasound to further evaluate for PCS. A CT scan should be used to correlate with the ultrasound findings in making that determination.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Oct 04, 2013

A venogram is the 'gold' standard for the official diagnosis, and that is usually coupled with ultrasound or a MRI. Find an interventional radiologist accredited by the American College of Phlebology, which changed its name to the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

A venogram is the 'gold' standard for the official diagnosis, and that is usually coupled with ultrasound or a MRI. Find an interventional radiologist accredited by the American College of Phlebology, which changed its name to the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Oct 02, 2013

Yes, CT scan findings can point to pelvic congestion syndrome. However, its findings are not 100 percent accurate since they do not show reflux or leaking valves. Ultrasound or Angiogram are more definitive.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, CT scan findings can point to pelvic congestion syndrome. However, its findings are not 100 percent accurate since they do not show reflux or leaking valves. Ultrasound or Angiogram are more definitive.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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