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. 2011;2(8):309-12.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2011.07.010. Epub 2011 Oct 12.

Bilateral persistent sciatic arteries complicated with chronic lower limb ischemia

Bin Wang  1 , Zhenjie Liu, Laigen Shen
Affiliations

Bilateral persistent sciatic arteries complicated with chronic lower limb ischemia

Bin Wang et al. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2011.

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.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Bilateral external iliac artery (EIA), common femoral artery (CFA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA) are hypoplastic. Bilateral internal iliac artery (IIA) continues as the inferior gluteal artery and persistent sciatic artery (PSA).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Arterial supply to the left lower extremity. (A) Sciatic artery forming as a branch of the umbilical artery initially supplies the entire leg. (B) The sciatic artery regresses, and the external artery develop into the common femoral artery to supply the thigh. Note that the sciatic artery communicates with the popliteal artery just above the knee. (C) The sciatic artery disappears, although small portions remain to form the popliteal and peroneal arteries.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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