Spontaneous ischemic neuropathy of the sciatic nerve due to arterial occlusion - a rare cause of acute neuropathy not to be missed, a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic neuropathy of the sciatic nerve without preceding vascular surgical procedures is a rare condition and may be due to arterial occlusion in one limb.

CASE PRESENTATIONS: We present two cases with acute onset of pain and sensory symptoms such as pins and needles and numbness in the foot with no or mild motor symptoms. In the neurological work-up, electrophysiological signs of axonal neuropathy of both peroneal and tibial nerves were demonstrated and T2 hyperintensity was seen in the distal sciatic nerves on MR neurography as well as signs indicating arterial thrombosis in the corresponding vessels. Recanalization was obtained in both patients angiographically with significant improvement in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous arterial occlusion of major or peripheral arteries is a rare but important cause of acute onset of single or multiple axonal mononeuropathies of one extremity. Recognition of this infrequent cause is essential since it requires immediate and specific therapeutic options.