Objective:

To highlight epidural varices as a possible cause of chronic low-back pain, and to raise awareness that this may occur in any patient with a condition that potentially involves dilated epidural veins we have reviewed the literature and reported a 25-year-old female with chronic low-back pain due to epidural varices.

Summary of Background Data:

Epidural venous varices are rare and often go unrecognized. Patients with conditions that involve increased venous pressure (pregnancy, hepatic failure, congestive heart failure, obesity, among others) may exhibit asymptomatic dilatation of the epidural veins. which may eventually form a mass-like lesion in the lumbar area.

Conclusion:

Epidural varices should be included in the differential diagnosis for low-back pain. Patients with elevated venous pressure are at increased risk for pain in this region.

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