Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2012 Jan;55(1):29-32. 10.5468/KJOG.2012.55.1.29.

A case of vaginal varix during pregnancy

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. ghleeobgy@gmail.com

Abstract

Vaginal varix during pregnancy is a rare condition. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Most vaginal varices are asymptomatic, but some are associated with a sense of local mass, or severe discomfort and spontaneous vaginal bleeding. A 32-year-old woman was admitted for acute spontaneous vaginal bleeding at 37+6 weeks' gestation. Upon pelvic inspection, we observed dilated vascular structure on the suburethral vaginal wall, and the trans-labial ultrasound imaging revealed a blood flow along the vaginal area, confirming the presence of a vaginal varix. Instead of a normal delivery, we performed a Cesarean section to prevent the potential risk of the profuse vaginal bleeding. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the mass spontaneously resolved 6 weeks after the delivery. The authors believe that this case of vaginal varix found during pregnancy is the first documented case in Korea.

Keyword

Vaginal varicose veins; Pregnancy; Hemorrhage

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cesarean Section
Female
Hemorrhage
Humans
Korea
Pregnancy
Uterine Hemorrhage
Varicose Veins

Figure

  • Fig. 1 A strawberry sized vascular lesion on the suburethral wall extending to the vaginal lumen.

  • Fig. 2 Ultrasonographic (USG) finding on the vaginal varix.


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