[Ovarian vein syndrome].

After initial scepticism about its reality and despite a few disagreements, many authors now recognize the ovarian vein syndrome as a separate clinical entity, secondary to ureteral obstruction caused by dilation of the ovarian veins, which may cause lumbar pain, recurring pyelonephritis and/or lithiasic complications. The right side most frequently is affected because anatomical configuration of the right ureter is more susceptible to compression, and in fact, pregnancy appears to be an essential initiating or exacerbating factor. Thus, this anomaly might explain why painful and infectious manifestations and hydronephrosis so often develop on the right side (in over 95 p. cent of cases) during pregnancy. Its diagnosis thus must be known to be able to envisage its possible onset, by taking a careful history, and may be confirmed by certain radiological examinations. The latter, as well as treatment, depend on whether or not the patient is pregnant, its term, as well as severity of symptoms. Hence, erroneous diagnoses and incorrectly oriented surgical procedures may be avoided, while appropriate therapy is effective.