Hemodynamics of ovarian veins: MR angiography in women with uterine leiomyomata

PurposeThe passive reflux into ovarian veins (OVs) is well known as a common finding in normal asymptomatic women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hemodynamics of OVs in women with myomatous uterus.Materials and methodsThirty-two women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomata underwent time-of-flight MR (TOF-MR) angiography, including venography and arteriography, and contrast-enhanced MRI. The frequency of reflux into OVs on TOF-MR angiography was retrospectively assessed with uterine volume, and compared to that of normal women in previous publication. The statistical evaluation was performed using Fisher's exact test.ResultsThe mean uterine volume was 932 ± 612 ml (range, 301–2627 ml). The reflux into left OVs was observed in 4 of 32 women (13%) and that into right OVs was noted in 0 of 32 women (0%). These rates were significantly lower than those of normal asyptomatic women in the previous publication (p < 0.05). The reflux into OVs was observed in 0 of 19 women (0%) with 600 ml or larger myomatous uterus, whereas it was noted in 4 of the remaining 13 women (31%) with less than 600 ml myomatous uterus, with significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.02).ConclusionsWe found that reflux into OVs was infrequent in the vast majority of women with myomatous uterus, especially those with larger uterus due to leiomyomata on the basis of TOF-MR angiography. These findings suggested myomatous uterus could affect the flow direction of OVs, and passive reflux into OVs might be prevented due to the influence of antegrade flow of OVs.