Accurate diagnosis of iliac vein thrombosis in pregnancy with magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging (MRDTI)

BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Dec 13:2016:bcr2016218091. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218091.

Abstract

A pregnant woman aged 29 years, G1P0 at 21 weeks of gestation of a dichorionic diamniotic twin, presented with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left leg. Repeated (compression) ultrasonography was not diagnostic for DVT but showed reduced flow over the left external iliac vein, common femoral vein and superficial femoral vein. In pursue of a definite diagnosis, magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging was performed showing a clear high signal in the left common iliac vein which is diagnostic for acute thrombosis in this venous segment. Phase contrast venography supported this diagnosis, showing no flow in the left common iliac vein. Treatment with anticoagulants was started. 6 months after the diagnosis, the patient is doing well and does not report signs of post-thrombotic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iliac Vein / diagnostic imaging*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / diagnosis*
  • Prenatal Diagnosis*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis*