Congenital Hypoplasia of the Lower Limb Arteries: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Two cases of congenital hypoplasia of the lower limb arteries are presented. The patients were treated surgically with saphenous vein bypass grafting. A short summary of the foetal development of the arteries of the lower limb is given. Although this condition is rare, it should be kept in mind when surgical treatment of arterial insufficiency of the leg is planned.

In the aortic arch congenital anomalies are relatively common. In the major arteries of the lower extremity such abnormalities are, however, rare (Rob & Owen, 1958; Mansfield & Howard, 1964). Nevertheless, this condition must be considered as a possible cause of arterial insufficiency. Malformation of the major arteries to the lower limb may also occasionally be the cause of retarded growth of the leg.