Persistent sciatic artery: two case reports with emphasis on embryologic development.

Prior to development of the femoral arterial system, the sciatic artery serves as the principal blood supply to the lower extremity in the embryo. There have been only 32 reported cases in the world literature of a persistent sciatic artery in the adult. Two additional cases are presented in this report with a review of the embryologic development of the arterial system in the lower extremity. Diagnosis and treatment of associated problems involving the sciatic artery are discussed.