The effect of changes in bladder volume on the caliber of adjacent veins is underappreciated but essential to recognize to avoid complications such as unnecessary stenting or clot migration causing pulmonary embolism. Here the authors illustrate the importance of this finding in 3 cases using venographic and endovascular sonographic imaging: the first in which BPH-induced chronic bladder outlet obstruction resulted in DVT formation, the second in which the cause was unrecognized and unnecessary stenting performed, and the third in which inappropriate treatment was avoided by decompressing the bladder.
CarlssonEGarstenP. Compression of the common iliac vessels by dilatation of the bladder. Report of a case. Acta radiol. 1960;53:449-453. doi:10.3109/00016926009171697
2.
HopkinsWFMattensWAPierceJMJr. Increased venous pressure and edema in the lower extremities secondary to urinary retention. Invest Urol. 1965;3(2):117-121. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4157509
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MeinardiJRKremerJvan der MeerJ. Deep vein thrombosis associated with distension of the urinary bladder due to benign prostatic hypertrophy--a case report. Neth J Med. 2004;62(4):137-138. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15255085
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UmemuraMHoDNozawaN, et al.Acute pulmonary embolism induced by renal obstruction with benign prostatic hyperplasia: case report. J Cardiol Cases. 2012;5(1):e39-e43. doi:10.1016/j.jccase.2011.10.004
