Mönckeberg’s arteriosclerosis: a possible reason for non-use of radial conduit

Abstract

We report the case of a 73-year-old man with diffuse calcification in both upper and lower limb arteries. This condition, termed Mönckeberg’s arteriosclerosis, was accompanied by three-vessel disease needing coronary artery bypass grafting. The diagnosis of arteriosclerosis was further verified by histopathology. The use of radial artery for coronary artery bypass grafting was prevented due to the heavily calcified nature of the vessel. Saphenous veins were harvested for non-left anterior descending arteries. Coexistence of Mönckeberg’s arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis is possible and it affects the surgeon’s preference in conduit selection.