Bilateral persistent sciatic arteries complicated with chronic lower limb ischemia

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2011;2(8):309-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2011.07.010. Epub 2011 Oct 12.

Abstract

Introduction: Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare vascular anomaly associated with a higher rate of aneurysm formation or thromboembolic complications causing lower extremity ischemia.

Presentation of case: A 15-year-old female patient with bilateral PSA presented with lower extremity ischemia. Considering the age and symptoms of the patient, we did not perform any intervention, but continued surveillance with duplex ultrasonography in case of the high incidence of aneurysmal formation or thromboembolic event.

Discussion: Epidemiology, development, anatomical structure, diagnosis and treatments of PSAs are discussed.

Conclusion: PSAs, are prone to early atheromatous degeneration and aneurysm formation. Treatment of a PSA mainly dependent on the symptoms is either by surgical procedures or by endovascular interventions.

Keywords: Angiography; Arterial anomaly; Embryology; Ischemia; Sciatic artery.