Arteries of the Lower Limb—Embryology, Variations, and Clinical Significance

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to review the embryology of the lower limb arterial anatomy along with common variants and their clinical relevance. Design: Embryologic variations of the lower limb arterial system may be explained by i.) persistence of primordial arterial segments, ii.) abnormal fusion, iii.) segmental hypoplasia/absence, or a combination of both. Persistent sciatic artery, corona mortis, and popliteal entrapment syndrome will also be discussed with associated symptoms, and potential complications. Conclusion: Knowledge of these variations is essential for surgical and endovascular management as failure to recognize them can result in complications.

A Bipartite Obturator Artery with Multiple Pelvic Branching—A Gynecologic Approach

“…Embryologically, variations of the OA have been hypothesized to be due to an unusual selection of channels from a primary capillary plexus that establishes the final arterial pattern [ 9 , 10 ]. Awareness of such an aberrant blood supply is essential, as these may involve unexpected and undesired outcomes during surgical procedures.…”

I Wouldn’t Start From Here

“…In this month's journal, Qazi et al outline the embryology and resulting anatomical variants of lower limb arteries. 4 They explain the embryological processes of vasculogenesis, angiogenesis and remodeling, in which many factors (''sprouting of new vessels, intussusceptive growth, regulation by hemodynamic factors, growth and inhibitory factors, and tissue environment'') interact. The authors outline the unlikely manner in which continuous arteries running from the aorta to the toes achieve their final form, involving development, regression, connection etc.…”

“…Qazi's paper elegantly demonstrates this capability of modern imaging as a tool for anatomical teaching, exploiting the capabilities of contrast enhancement, multiplanar reconstruction and volume rendering for anatomical illustration. 4 George Santayana's comment from 1905 (''The Life of Reason''), ''Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,'' can be paraphrased for medicine: Those who do not understand the past are condemned to fail in the present. Radiology is an ideal tool to teach this embryological past, and to demonstrate the anatomical present.…”

“…Qazi’s paper elegantly demonstrates this capability of modern imaging as a tool for anatomical teaching, exploiting the capabilities of contrast enhancement, multiplanar reconstruction and volume rendering for anatomical illustration. 4…”

Reply to “Arteries of the Lower Limb—Embryology, Variations, and Clinical Significance”

“…If normal anatomy is well known to all radiologists, embryology and anatomic variants of arteries of lower limbs represent a more challengingtopic due to its rarity. 1…”