Right ovarian vein syndrome

Definition:

The ovarian veins are a pair of veins that come from the ligament (that supports the ovaries and Fallopian tubes). With this syndrome, the right ovarian vein becomes larger than the left, and the valves of the vein become enlarged and incompetent (do not function properly). The disorder primarily occurs or begins during pregnancy. Symptoms include intermittent pain in the flank on the right side and intermittent right-lower quadrant abdominal pain, most often occurring before menstruation. Urinary tract infections or use of progesterone often aggravates the symptoms. The cause is related to hydronephrosis (enlargement of the kidney from retention or back-up of urine) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection) that occurs during pregnancy. Medical treatment includes prolonged treatment of urinary tract infections. Surgical removal of the vein may be required in some cases. Surgical vein removal does not prevent pregnancy.