A rare cause of Lumbar (L1) radiculopathy

Epidural vein abnormalities are rare1-5 in patients operated for lumbar radiculopathy. Abnormalities or pathological changes of epidural venous network may give rise to symptoms similar to or mimicking lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis. Multiple lumbar epidural varices can cause nerve root and thecal sac compression. Lumbar epidural varices have been infrequently described in the literature. The condition is more common in L4 - L5 L5-S1 levels. Treatment is cauterization of the vein and the prognosis is good