A large unilateral persistent sciatic vein: a case report

Abstract

Persistent sciatic vein is considered a relatively rare anatomical finding, commonly associated with the Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. We report a case of a large unilateral persistent sciatic vein in the right lower limb of an adult male cadaver, identified during routine dissection. The size of the vein was comparable to the sciatic nerve and it was originated from the union of posterior tibial veins at the distal end of the popliteal fossa. It was ascending in the posterior part of the thigh, medial to the sciatic nerve, before coursing through the infrapiriform foramen of the greater sciatic foramen and terminating by draining into the internal iliac vein. Further dissection revealed conventional anatomy of the femoral venous system. The epidemiology, anatomy, diagnosis and management a persistent sciatic vein are also discussed.