Diagnostic significance of phlebotonometry for evaluation of indications for angioplasty and stenting of compressed iliac veins in patients with varicocele and pelvic congestion disease

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the information content of the phlebotonometry method when determining indications for endovascular x-ray angioplasty and stenting of the iliac veins during their arterial compression.Materials and methods. Thirty-six patients with bilateral varicocele and varicose veins of the pelvic organs were examined. The examination included assessment of the condition using the international index of erectile function, ultrasound examination of the scrotum organs with color Doppler mapping, transrectal ultrasound of the prostate and veins of the prostatic plexus, magnetic resonance imaging of the inferior vena cava and pelvic vessels, venography of the renal caval and ileocaval segments, phlebotonometry of these segments in a calm state and during the Valsalva test.Results. Pressure gradient between left and right external iliac veins >2 mm Hg in a calm state was detected in 4 (11.1 %) patients, >3 mm Hg with Valsalva test – in 9 (25.0 %) patients, between the left and right common iliac veins >2 mm Hg in a calm state – in 3 (8.3 %) patients, >3 mm Hg with a Valsalva test, in 15 (41.7 %) patients. At the same time, in 20 (55.6 %) of 36 cases, phlebotonometry data were of a contradictory logic nature, which we attribute to the insufficient sensitivity of this research method. Our data suggest that collateral circulation leads not only to varicose veins of the pelvic organs, but also to equalization of pressure in the ipsilateral segments of the iliac veins due to the law of communicating vessels.Conclusion. Phlebotonometry in the diagnosis of iliac venous compression can only be used as an additional research method. Indications for angioplasty and stenting of the iliac veins during compression should be determined on the basis of clinical data, the severity of varicose veins of the pelvic organs according to the results of transrectal ultrasound examination, the results of magnetic resonance imaging of the inferior vena cava and pelvic vessels (or computed tomography of the abdominal organs with contrast or multispiral computed tomography of the abdominal cavity organs), radiopaque phlebography and intravascular ultrasound.The author declares no conflict of interest.All patients gave written informed consent to participate in the study.