A case of arteriosclerotic aneurysm of the inferior mesenteric artery, in which obliteration of both the coeliac axis and the superior mesenteric artery was found by chance in a patient with chronic ischaemia of the lower extremities and without digestive vascular trouble is reported. The surgical treatment is discussed and the reasons for its applications analysed. A review of world literature revealed only two previously published cases, which are quoted.