Bilateral Persistent Sciatic Veins: A Cadaveric Case Report

Abstract

We encountered a cadaver with bilateral persistent sciatic veins (PSVs) in the anatomical dissection course at our institution. Although PSV is associated with Klippel-Tranaunay syndrome, there were no other findings typical of the syndrome in this case. The PSVs on each side differed. On the left, the PSV ascended in the posterior thigh and passed through the intramuscular space caudal to the quadratus femoris. It then coursed anteriorly and joined the deep femoral vein. The femoral vein originated from the popliteal vein; it passed through the adductor canal, ascended in the femoral triangle, and passed under the inguinal ligament after receiving the deep femoral vein. On the right, the PSV ascended in the posterior thigh and passed through the intermuscular space between the adductor magnus and adductor minor (a lower position than on the left); it then coursed anteriorly and merged with the femoral vein. The right femoral vein originated from the popliteal vein; it then passed through the adductor canal, ascended in the femoral triangle, and merged with the PSV. It is important to correctly diagnose PSV at the time of surgical or radiological intervention to avoid complications of the procedure and to improve outcomes. PSV can cause unexpected bleeding during lower extremity surgery. Clinicians should be aware of this rare anomaly.

Keywords: Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome; anatomical variation; deep femoral vein; femoral vein; persistent sciatic vein; remnant vein.