Superior gluteal vein entrapment: targeted surgical decompression for aberrant anatomy.
Hakan Kula, Michelle Cao, Timur K Seckin et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 33-year-old woman with a history of endometriosis presented with right-sided sciatica and chronic pelvic pain. Imaging studies were unremarkable. During laparoscopic surgery, an aberrant superior gluteal vein was found compressing the proximal sciatic nerve. Targeted decompression was performed, resulting in significant pain relief and improved mobility at follow-up.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights the presence of an aberrant superior gluteal vein causing nerve compression despite normal imaging findings, emphasizing the need for surgical exploration in atypical presentations.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider aberrant pelvic venous anatomy as a potential cause of sciatic nerve compression in patients with unexplained neuropathic pain, even when imaging results are normal.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of surgical intervention in cases of nerve compression due to anatomical variations, which may not be evident on standard imaging.