title: Varices of the round ligament mimicking an inguinal hernia--an important differential diagnosis during pregnancy.
abstract: Pregnancy is a recognised risk factor for the development of inguinal hernias due to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Whilst often managed conservatively until after the pregnancy, if the hernia presents acutely as a painful or tender groin lump, urgent or emergency repair may be required. Many clinicians rely heavily on clinical examination alone in order to diagnose the presence of such a hernia. In pregnancy, however, in order to prevent unnecessary surgery, the use of ultrasound has a more important role to play in reaching this diagnosis. We report a cautionary case that highlights the need for ultrasound evaluation of all painful groin lumps in pregnant women prior to considering surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, UK.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Dent
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al Samaraee
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Coyne
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nice
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Katory
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012404:Round Ligament of Uterus / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
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