Cyclic sciatica. A manifestation of compression of the sciatic nerve by endometriosis. A case report.
METHODS
A case of cyclic sciatica secondary to ovarian cyst endometriosis is presented.


OBJECTIVE
To report the clinical description and magnetic resonance imaging aspects of cyclic sciatica.


BACKGROUND
Endometriosis of the sciatic nerve is rare, but must be included in the differential diagnosis of sciatic mononeuropathies.


METHODS
The authors report a new case of a woman whose cyclic sciatica was caused by an ovarian cystic endometriosis lesion.


RESULTS
Magnetic resonance imaging was described as hyper- and hypointense on T1-weighted sequences, and hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences at the sciatic notch.


CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance imaging may permit a specific diagnosis of this unusual cause of sciatica by showing a hemorrhagic mass in the region of the sciatic nerve. Early recognition is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the sciatic nerve.
Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France.
R
R
Dhôte
L
L
Tudoret
C
C
Bachmeyer
P
P
Legmann
B
B
Christoforov
D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012584:Sciatic Nerve; D012585:Sciatica / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000002:abnormalities*