Vessel
Ovarian vein
Ovarian drainage joins different veins on each side
High-yield
The ovarian veins share the gonadal asymmetry: right to vena cava, left to renal vein. Their number and tributary pattern can vary.
Overview
Small veins from the ovary form a plexus that travels with the ovarian pedicle. Larger channels ascend retroperitoneally, communicating with uterine venous drainage. The usual right-sided outlet is the inferior vena cava; the left-sided outlet is the left renal vein.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Begins in ovarian and mesosalpingeal venous networks, including drainage from the lateral uterine tube.
- Course
- Runs in the ovarian pedicle before ascending retroperitoneally beside the artery; convergence into one or more trunks is variable.
- Branches
- Connects with the uterine venous plexus and receives small regional tributaries.
- Supplies
- Returns blood from the ovary and parts of the uterine tube.
- Drains to
- Usually empties into the left renal vein on the left and directly into the inferior vena cava on the right.
Clinical correlation
Pelvic venous reflux or obstruction can contribute to chronic pelvic symptoms, but a dilated ovarian vein alone does not establish symptomatic disease. Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis is more often right-sided and may cause abdominal pain and fever, although presentations vary.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the ovarian vein originate?
The ovarian vein arises from the begins in ovarian and mesosalpingeal venous networks, including drainage from the lateral uterine tube.
What does the ovarian vein supply?
The ovarian vein supplies the returns blood from the ovary and parts of the uterine tube.
Where does the ovarian vein drain to?
Usually empties into the left renal vein on the left and directly into the inferior vena cava on the right.
What are the branches of the ovarian vein?
Branches of the ovarian vein include the connects with the uterine venous plexus and receives small regional tributaries.