Postembolization syndrome in endovascular interventions on the gonadal veins

Abstract

Objective: The present study evaluated the incidence of postembolization syndrome (PES) after endovascular coil embolization of the gonadal veins (EEGV) in patients with pelvic congestion syndrome and investigated the appropriate medical treatment.

Methods: EEGV was performed in 70 female patients with pelvic congestion syndrome (left-sided in 58, right-sided in 3, and bilateral in 9 patients). For embolization, 0.035-in. coils with an 8- to 12-mm diameter and 10- to 20-cm length were used. Assessments of the EEGV results and possible PES symptoms were performed on days 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 after the procedure and included transvaginal and transabdominal duplex ultrasound scanning of the pelvic veins and at the embolization site.

Results: PES had manifested with increased pelvic pain, tenderness along the embolized vein, and hyperthermia ≤37.5°C to 37.8°C and had developed in 14 patients (20%). For PES treatment, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac, 75 mg daily for 3-7 days; mean, 4.2 ± 1.1 days) and a venoactive drug (micronized purified flavonoid fraction, 1000 mg daily for 2 months) were used. Medical treatment was associated with a significant reduction in PES symptoms in all patients within 14 days and complete resolution by day 30 after embolization. duplex ultrasound scanning revealed thrombosis of parametrial veins in 12 of 56 patients (21.4%) with successful EEGV and 3 of 14 patients (21.4%) with PES.

Conclusions: In patients who have undergone EEGV, increased pelvic pain, the occurrence of tenderness along the embolized vein, and the presence of hyperthermia should be considered as PES manifestations. In our study, PES occurred in 20% of the treated patients.

Keywords: Endovascular embolization of the gonadal veins; Pelvic congestion syndrome; Postembolization syndrome.