Xanthogranuloma of the sciatic nerve: case report.

Abstract

Xanthogranulomas involving the central or peripheral nervous system are extraordinarily rare. None have been reported in the lower extremity. Here, we report and characterize the first case of xanthogranuloma of the sciatic nerve. A 58-year-old woman presented with poorly localized right back and groin pain. Magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed an enhancing lesion of the sciatic nerve in the right gluteal region. The sciatic nerve xanthogranuloma was resected without complication. Our report indicates that xanthogranuloma, although extremely rare, may occur throughout the nervous system. Our evaluation demonstrates that such lesions involving the peripheral nervous system have similar pathological characteristics to xanthogranulomas that more commonly occur in the skin.