Sciatica in Early Pregnancy With Coexisting Uterine Leiomyoma and‌ ‌Tarlov‌ ‌Cyst:‌ ‌A‌ ‌Case Report

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are common, especially among women of African descent. Several women with fibroids are asymptomatic, which may contribute to underestimating its prevalence. Symptomatic uterine fibroids present with menstrual problems, anemia, infertility, miscarriages, an enlarged abdomen, pressure symptoms involving the bladder and bowels (such as frequent urination or constipation), and sometimes coital-related problems. This case report describes a 25-year-old African American woman with uterine fibroids who suffered from lower back pain radiating to the left lower extremity, along with paresthesias and weakness of the left leg. She was diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy, early pregnancy, and an incidental finding of a Tarlov cyst. As the pregnancy progressed, the sciatic pain ceased within the first trimester. Sciatic pain can result from a sudden increase in the uterus size caused by an early pregnancy coexisting with large fibroids. The sciatic pain may not remain throughout the pregnancy as the growing uterus with large fibroids may be displaced from the site of nerve compression.