Congenital anomalies of the iliofemoral artery

In consequence of six cases of congenital anomalies in the area of the external iliac and femoral arteries, the embryological literature of this subject was studied. The complaints of these patients are described and some variations of the persisting sciatic artery are demonstrated. Operative treatment by means of reconstruction of the blood vessels was possible in all cases. The conclusion is that congenital anomalies in the area of the ilio-femoral artery are rare and that they may occur in different degrees. The pattern of complaints depend on the degree in which the embryonic construction has remained the same in the full-grown situation.