Open AccessReversible dilatation of lumbar epidural venous plexus secondary to pelvic venous compression: mimicker of pathology
Author(s) -
August S. Tuan,
Seyed Ali Nabavizadeh,
Bryan Pukenas,
Suyash Mohan,
Kim O. Learned
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
bjr case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2055-7159
DOI - 10.1259/bjrcr.20150287
Subject(s) - medicine , venous plexus , varices , varix , fistula , cauda equina , plexus , radiology , surgery , pelvic pain , decompression , spinal cord , cirrhosis , psychiatry
Radiculopathy from dilated epidural varices is a rarely recognized phenomenon, and engorged varices may mimic a disc herniation, fistula or mass. We report a case of a distended bladder causing reversible pelvic venous congestion and resultant epidural venous plexus engorgement. We show marked engorgement of the epidural venous plexus and crowding of the cauda equina from a markedly distended bladder with resolution of these findings following bladder decompression. Familiarity with this clinical entity is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and to prevent potential unnecessary surgical intervention.