A case of aneurysm of a primitive persistent sciatic artery: anatomical-clinical aspects and surgical management

Aneurysms of the sciatic artery are quite rare. In the literature fewer than 100 cases of gluteal aneurysms have been reported; most have arisen from the superior or inferior gluteal artery; only few cases were aneurysms of an anomalous persistent sciatic artery (6 cases diagnosed angiographically and treated). In our own experience, the overall incidence of this anomaly, in patients undergoing angiography is very low, in the order of 0.025%. In our case the iliac femoral axis showed hypoplasia and required an internal iliac-popliteal bypass. For the location and the propensity atherosclerotic involvement of the persistent sciatic artery, an aneurysm should be considered in all patients with a pulsatile posterior thigh mass, with or not symptoms of peripheral vascular disease.