Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: Infectious thrombosis (thrombophlebitis) of the ovarian veins is an uncommon complication of pregnancy (delivery) or gynecologic surgery. However, the diagnosis is often difficult to establish and requires a high degree of suspicion.

[Edit Diagnosis] [Merge dx] [Add prevalence]

Tags: Infection Obstetrical Tag this Diagnosis.

The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Sensitive and Specific Findings

Finding	Sensitivity	Specificity	Comments, Study
Abdominal CT	100%	100%	truth was established by a combination of MR, CT, and US Study: AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1997 Oct;169(4):1039-43. PMID: 9308461
Abdominal MRI	92%	100%	truth was established by a combination of US, CT, and MRI Study: AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1997 Oct;169(4):1039-43. PMID: 9308461

Specific Findings

Finding	Sensitivity	Specificity	Comments, Study
Pelvic US	50%	100%	truth was established by a combination of MR, CT, and US. Sensitivity was markedly reduced for the left ovarian vein as compared to the right (obscured by overlying structures). Study: AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1997 Oct;169(4):1039-43. PMID: 9308461

Poorly Diagnostic Findings

Finding	Sensitivity	Specificity	Comments, Study
Blood Cultures	Sensitivity = 35%		Study: Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2006;2006:15614. PMID: 17485796