Bilateral persistent sciatic artery with aneurysm formation and review of the literature

Abstract

Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is an uncommon medical condition that can result in limb loss if it is not recognized or corrected. It is associated with 14% limb loss and 86% formation of aneurysm of the sciatic artery. In this study we describe a patient with bilateral persistent sciatic arteries associated with multiple aneurysms who presented with a large aneurysm formation and limb ischemia. The patient was treated with PSA embolization and exclusion of the aneurysm in the right leg with vein bypass. All reported cases in the English literature between 1965 and 2012 were reviewed and management options were compared.