Pelvic Venous Dilatation Mimicking an Adnexal Mass in a Postmenopausal Woman

ABSTRACT With the increasing use of expectant or laparoscopic management of cystic adnexal masses in postmenopausal women, adequate preoperative evaluation and assessment of malignant potential assume a critical role. Ultrasonography has become a cornerstone in this evaluation process. We describe a case of ultrasonographically identified bilateral cystic adnexal masses that at laparoscopy appeared to be massively dilated pelvic varicosities. In a postmenopausal patient, especially if a prior history of venous stasis is elicited, pelvic varicosities should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ultrasonographically diagnosed cystic adnexal masses. (J GYNECOL SURG 9:49, 1993)