A Case of Postpartum Thrombophlebitis of a Retroperitoneal Varix Mimicking Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

A case of thrombophlebitis of a retroperitoneal varix in a postpartum patient with right lower quadrant pain is presented. The sonographic examination was falsely positive for appendicitis, but the correct diagnosis was made with a subsequent computed tomogram. The thrombosed varix was likely a collateral of the right ovarian vein, analogous to postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis (POVT), an uncommon potentially fatal disorder. POVT is reviewed, emphasizing features useful for distinguishing it from appendicitis at sonography. Sonographers should be aware of the possibility of thrombophlebitis when examining postpartum patients with right lower quadrant pain.