HEMATOCOLPOS - AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF SCIATICA IN AN ADOLESCENT GIRL

Study Design. A case report. Objective. To document the occurrence of hematocolpos causing sciatica and leg weakness in an adolescent girl. Summary of Background Data. Low back pain resulting from hematocolpos has been reported previously but not associated with symptoms of sciat ica or neurologic weakness. Methods. The authors were involved in the care of this patient, and all medical records, radiologic investigatio ns, and related literature were reviewed. Results. After being checked for longstanding symptoms of sciatica and leg weakness, the patient u nderwent a computed tomographic examination of lumbar spine, which sho wed a large collection in the pelvis consistent with hematocolpos. Sur gical drainage of the collection was associated with complete resoluti on of her symptoms. Conclusions. Awareness of hematocolpos as a possib le cause for sciatica and neurologic symptoms in the lower limbs may l ead to earlier diagnosis and, therefore, reduced morbidity in the inve stigation of the adolescent girl.