Study design: A case of cyclic sciatica secondary to ovarian cyst endometriosis is presented.
Objectives: To report the clinical description and magnetic resonance imaging aspects of cyclic sciatica.
Summary of background data: Endometriosis of the sciatic nerve is rare, but must be included in the differential diagnosis of sciatic mononeuropathies.
Methods: The authors report a new case of a woman whose cyclic sciatica was caused by an ovarian cystic endometriosis lesion.
Results: Magnetic resonance imaging was described as hyper- and hypointense on T1-weighted sequences, and hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences at the sciatic notch.
Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging may permit a specific diagnosis of this unusual cause of sciatica by showing a hemorrhagic mass in the region of the sciatic nerve. Early recognition is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the sciatic nerve.