Lateral marginal vein

The lateral marginal vein (also known as the vein of Servelle or the Klippel-Trenaunay vein) is one of two known persisting embryonic veins of the leg, the persistent sciatic vein being the other. The lateral marginal vein is the principle tributary forming the small saphenous vein.

Development

As an embryonic vein it usually undergoes regression before birth. It is part of the superficial venous system of the lower limb. Failure of obliteration leads to truncal vascular malformation.

Related pathology

It is seen in a portion of patients suffering from Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.