A Calcified Artery of Drummond, Could It Be a Sentinel Sign of Further Complications?

Abstract

Objective: To understand the role of the artery of Drummond in the elderly population. The artery plays a crucial role in the anastamosis between the inferior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric artery. Its maintenance is particularly important for the survivability of the bowel in events of stenosis of either one of the native arteries; SMA or IMA. Method: A 94 year old lady presents with post-prandial abdominal pain and significant emaciation. The patient undergoes clinical and radiological investigations to find out the cause of her ailments. Results: Abdominal X-ray revealed a serpentine structure that was later defined as the artery of Drummond, CT scan revealed a calcified and enlarged artery of Drummond in addition to an occluded origin of SMA and celiac artery as well as a severe stenosis origin of IMA. Conclusion: The artery of Drummond was immensely hypertrophied and was supplying the entire bowel through the native IMA; subsequent occlusion of the IMA was the main cause that caused the demise of the patient.