Pelvic Venous Disorders are Associated with an Earlier Age-of-Onset in Females with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Pelvic venous disorders (PVDs) are a group of inter-related pathological diagnoses that can present with a range of symptoms including pelvic and urinary symptoms similar to those seen in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). The relationship between PVDs and IC/BPS in humans has yet to be evaluated. This study’s objectives are to determine the prevalence of PVD in patients with IC/BPS and to identify associated characteristics. Charts from our study on patients with IC/BPS undergoing hydrodistension (HOD) were screened for those with an MRI or CT scan of the abdomen/pelvis. Imaging findings suggestive of PVD were noted. Information regarding anesthetic bladder capacity (BC), Hunner lesion (HL) status, results for validated IC/BPS symptoms, and patient reports of comorbid non-urological associated syndromes (NUAS) known to co-occur with IC/BPS were collected. A total of 133 patients with IC/BPS had the appropriate studies for a diagnosis of PVD, of which 64 (48.1%) were positive. PVD-positive patients were younger at IC/BPS diagnosis (35.36 ± 12.47 vs 42.32 ± 14.53; p = 0.004), younger at most recent HOD (45.59 ± 13.18 vs 53.32 ± 13.71; p = 0.001), and had a lower BMI (27.88 ± 7.35 vs 32.18 ± 9.29; p = 0.004). No significant differences were noted in age at earliest HOD, smoking status, average BC, HL status, total number of HOD, total NUAS, or any of multiple reported comorbidities. Additionally, none of the average IC/BPS symptom scores were significantly different. Imaging findings suggestive of PVD are common in patients with IC/BPS and may be associated with an earlier onset of disease.