Chronic pelvic pain due to peripheral neuropathy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: There are numerous possible causes for chronic pelvic pain. Evaluation of these causes should begin with the least invasive form of assessment.

CASE: A 28-year-old woman with chronic pelvic pain underwent an array of investigations and surgical interventions without relief of pain. When she was admitted to hospital because of a flare up of pelvic pain, the chronic pain service was consulted. The presentation of stabbing pain that was reproduced by eliciting focal tenderness over the course of ilioinguinal nerve made nerve entrapment a possible diagnosis. An ilioinguinal nerve block was performed, resulting in resolution of the pain.

CONCLUSION: Chronic pelvic pain due to peripheral neuropathy can mimic visceral pain, presenting a diagnostic challenge.