Korean J Pain.  2010 Mar;23(1):88-91.

Post-radiation Piriformis Syndrome in a Cervical Cancer Patient: A Case Report

• Jeon SY
• Moon HS
• Han YJ
• Sung CH

Abstract

The piriformis syndrome is a condition allegedly attributable to compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Recently, magnetic resonance neurography and electrophysiologic study have helped to diagnose piriformis syndrome. High dose radiotherapy could induce acute and delayed muscle damage. We had experienced piriformis syndrome with fatty atrophy of piriformis muscle after radiotherapy for recurrent cervical cancer.

Keyword

cervical cancer; piriformis atrophy; piriformis syndrome; postradiation neuropathy; sciatic neuropathy

MeSH Terms

Atrophy
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Muscles
Piriformis Muscle Syndrome
Sciatic Nerve
Sciatic Neuropathy
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Fluoroscopic anteroposterior myogram of the piriformis. Note contrast flow along the distribution of the piriformis muscle.

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  Fig. 2 Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis. (A) Axial and coronal T2-weighted MR images show mild atrophy of the right piriformis muscle (white arrow). (B) Two years later, axial and coronal T2-weighted MR images demonstrate marked atrophy of the right piriformis muscle (open arrow), producing a ghost-like appearance.

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