Griffiths' point

 Q: What is Griffiths' point? 

Answer: The two most high-risk areas in intestinal ischemia are splenic flexure and rectosigmoid junction. 

Griffiths' point is the area for splenic flexure which is the cause of concern. It is defined as the site of communication of the ascending left colic artery (LCA) with the marginal artery (MA) of Drummond, and anastomotic bridging between the right and left terminal branches of the ascending LCA at the splenic flexure of the colon. 

Similarly, the area for concern for rectosigmoid junction is called Sudeck's point, where the descending branch of the LCA makes an anastomosis with the superior branches of the rectal artery, also known as hemorrhoidal artery.  

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References:

1. Meyers MA. Griffiths' point: critical anastomosis at the splenic flexure. Significance in ischemia of the colon. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1976; 126:77.

2. van Tonder JJ, Boon JM, Becker JH, van Schoor AN. Anatomical considerations on Sudeck's critical point and its relevance to colorectal surgery. Clin Anat 2007; 20:424.