marginal artery of Drummond

The marginal artery of Drummond is an arterial arcade that connects the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries and supplies the colon. It runs along the inner margin of the colon from the ileocecal junction to the rectosigmoid junction.

It is located along the mesenteric border of the colon, running as a continuous arterial channel that spans from the cecum to the rectosigmoid region within the abdominal cavity.

Its function is to serve as a communicating arcade between the superior and inferior mesenteric arterial territories, providing collateral blood flow to the colon and helping maintain perfusion when one mesenteric artery may be compromised.

Mesenteric ischemia and occlusive vascular disease may be associated with disruption of this arcade, and its integrity is a critical consideration during surgical procedures such as aortic surgery or colonic resection.

CT angiography and conventional mesenteric angiography are used to evaluate the continuity and patency of the marginal artery of Drummond, particularly before major abdominal vascular or colonic surgery.