Inferior gluteal vein varicosities: a rare cause of sciatica.
A 77-year-old woman presented with gradually progressing right sciatica of 2 years duration. She was investigated with a magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine which did not reveal any abnormality. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis was then performed and revealed right inferior gluteal vein varicosities causing compression of the adjacent sciatic nerve resulting in sciatica. Pain was relieved by walking likely due to collapse of the vein. This patient declined surgery but benefit has been reported in similar cases.
Choudur
Hema N
HN
Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. hnalinic@yahoo.com
Joshi
Rohit
R
Munk
Peter L
PL
D000368:Aged; D002081:Buttocks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D020426:Sciatic Neuropathy / Q000209:etiology*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000150:complications*