Pulmonary embolism caused by postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis after vaginal delivery: Case report and brief review of the literature

J Clin Ultrasound. 2020 Jun;48(5):291-293. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22814. Epub 2020 Jan 13.

Abstract

Puerperal ovarian vein thrombophlebitis is a rare pathology. We present the case of a 23-year-old female who presented with fever and cough that occurred after vaginal delivery and persisted after several courses of antibiotics between the 2nd and 20th day postpartum. CT pulmonary angiography revealed right subsegmental pulmonary embolism. An abdominal ultrasonographic examination led to the diagnosis of ovarian vein thrombosis. She was treated with warfarin for 2 weeks with a good response. Our case highlights the importance of prompt ultrasonographic diagnosis and clinical treatment of ovarian vein thrombosis to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: antibiotics; anticoagulation; inferior vena cava thrombosis; ovarian vein thrombosis; pulmonary embolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Computed Tomography Angiography / methods
  • Delivery, Obstetric
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovary / blood supply*
  • Ovary / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy
  • Puerperal Disorders / diagnostic imaging*
  • Puerperal Disorders / drug therapy
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Thrombophlebitis / complications*
  • Thrombophlebitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thrombophlebitis / drug therapy
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Warfarin