Round ligament varices mimicking inguinal hernia during pregnancy

Abstract

Varicosities of the round ligament is a rare condition. Our gravid patient had left inguinal swelling noticeable for 2 weeks and pain on and off. Swelling was reducible and treating surgeon referred patient for ultrasound to rule out inguinal hernia. Round ligament varices present as a unilateral or bilateral inguinal mass with or without pain almost always in pregnant patient. Sonography and Doppler is the best modality to see tortuous venous channels of round ligament compared to bowel or omental contents suggesting of hernia. Differentiating round ligament varices from inguinal hernia is must before any unnecessary surgical intervention and should be kept as differential for unilateral or bilateral inguinal swelling during pregnancy. Keywords: Ultrasonography, Round ligament varices