The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Acute Mesenteric Ischaemia — Emergency

Sudden interruption of intestinal blood flow leads to bowel necrosis and high mortality.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Acute Mesenteric Ischaemia — Emergency?

Acute mesenteric ischaemia is interruption of bowel blood supply because of arterial embolism, thrombosis, venous thrombosis or non-occlusive low flow.

Most common cause is embolism originating from the heart in atrial fibrillation; the superior mesenteric artery is the typical site.

The classic triad is severe abdominal pain disproportionate to physical findings, vomiting and metabolic acidosis; CT angiography is gold standard.

Symptoms

Sudden severe abdominal pain (out of proportion to findings)
Nausea, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea
Early phase soft abdomen but late peritonitis
Tachycardia and hypotension (signs of shock)
Lactic acidosis and elevated leucocyte count
Pulse irregularity (atrial fibrillation)
Late period: paralytic ileus and bowel perforation

Risk Factors

Atrial fibrillation and heart-valve disease
Recent myocardial infarction and intracardiac thrombus
Severe atherosclerosis and abdominal vascular disease
Hypercoagulable state (cancer, oral contraceptive)
Heart failure and shock state
Vasoactive drug use (vasopressor)
Age >70 years and chronic kidney failure

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Emergency presentation by 112 ambulance is mandatory in any sudden severe abdominal pain and atrial fibrillation
  • Rapid CT angiography request and surgical team activation are mandatory
  • If diagnosed within 6 hours, intestinal salvage is possible; afterwards mortality rises sharply
  • Lifelong anticoagulation is required postoperatively

Treatment Methods

01
Aggressive intravenous fluid and electrolyte resuscitation
02
Heparin infusion (immediate anticoagulation)
03
Endovascular thrombolysis or thrombectomy (in early case)
04
Open laparotomy and embolectomy + necrotic bowel resection
05
Broad-spectrum antibiotic (meropenem)
06
Postoperative intensive care and second-look operation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: Vascular Emergency

Acil Servis

Acute mesenteric ischemia is sudden interruption of intestinal blood flow due to embolism, thrombosis, or low-flow state, presenting with severe abdominal pain out of proportion to physical findings and demanding emergent CT angiography and revascularization.

Heart Attack First Aid

Acil Servis

Quick recognition and an emergency call in a heart attack dramatically improve the chance of survival.

Stroke Symptoms and FAST Test

Acil Servis

The FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test is the most practical method for early detection of stroke.

Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)

Acil Servis

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction; epinephrine injection and 112 are the most critical initial interventions.

Respiratory Failure

Acil Servis

Respiratory failure is a life-threatening state characterized by low blood oxygen or rising carbon dioxide.

Poisoning First Aid

Acil Servis

In poisoning, identifying the correct substance and knowing when not to induce vomiting is critical.

Burn Treatment and First Aid

Acil Servis

Emergency treatment for burns varies by degree and extent, starting with cooling and extending to specialist care.

Head Trauma First Aid

Acil Servis

Regardless of the impact severity in head trauma, emergency neurological evaluation is mandatory if there is any change in consciousness.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.