Mesenteric Ischemia

Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2018 Mar;30(1):29-39. doi: 10.1016/j.cnc.2017.10.003. Epub 2017 Nov 20.

Abstract

Mesenteric ischemia is an uncommon disease most often seen in the elderly. This disease results from blood flow in the mesenteric circulation that inadequately meets metabolic needs of the visceral organs and, if untreated, eventually leads to necrosis of the bowel wall. Mesenteric ischemia is divided into 2 types: acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) and chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Delayed diagnosis of CMI can lead to AMI. AMI is associated with extremely high mortalities. Early diagnosis via computed tomography angiography and prompt revascularization via endovascular therapy are recommended for symptomatic patients who have not developed bowel ischemia and necrosis.

Keywords: Acute mesenteric ischemia; Arterial embolism; Arterial thrombosis; Chronic mesenteric ischemia; Mesenteric venous thrombosis; Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Angiography*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Mesenteric Ischemia* / diagnosis
  • Mesenteric Ischemia* / diagnostic imaging
  • Mesenteric Ischemia* / etiology
  • Mesenteric Ischemia* / therapy
  • Mesentery / blood supply
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*