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

Purpose: The 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 methods: Thirty-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. Results: The 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). Conclusions: We 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.