Ultrasonographic diagnosis of round ligament varicosities mimicking inguinal hernia: report of two cases with literature review

Abstract

Round ligament varicosities are rare and the mass mimics an inguinal hernia. Round ligament varicosities should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a groin swelling of female especially during pregnancy. The diagnosis of round ligament varicosities can be established on gray-scale and color Doppler sonography. We report two cases of round ligament varicosities in a 33-year-old non pregnant woman and a 28-year-old pregnant woman and these patients were diagnosed using ultrasonography. We also reviewed the literatures about round ligament varicosities including the present cases. Ultrasonography is diagnostic and can prevent unnecessary surgical intervention and associated morbidity.

Keywords

• Round ligament varicosities, Ultrasonography, Pregnancy, Inguinal hernia