Learning objectives
Describe and illustrate the imaging findings of acute mesenteric ischemia.
To review the radiological findings of mesenteric ischemia according to the possible etiologies that cause it.
Background
Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a medical condition in which bowel injury occurs due to insufficient blood supply.
It can affect the small or large intestine,
be segmental or diffuse,
partial or transmural.
It is a frequent pathology (increases in incidence with age),
potentially fatal,
that compromises intestinal viability.
Rapid diagnosis and initiation of treatment are essential to reduce long-term morbidity and prevent mortality.
The clinical diagnosis is difficult,
the main symptom being severe abdominal pain and disproportionate to clinical findings,
with poor response to...
Findings and procedure details
ACUTE ARTERIAL EMBOLIA
In the most frequent cause of mesenteric ischemia (40% -50%) where the plunger lodges in the SMA.
The proximal branches of the SMA(jejunum and middle colic arteries) are generally conserved,
because generally the embolus lodges 3 to 10 cm distally at the origin of the SMA,
where the artery narrows,
just after the first main branch of the SMA (the middle colic artery).
As a result,
the proximal small and large intestines are usually saved.
Due to poor collateral circulation,
the onset...
Conclusion
The AMI is a vascular emergency that all physicians should consider as a differential diagnosis of abdominal pain.
The AMI is a vital emergency,
in which the role of the radiologist is very important in order to make an adequate diagnosis and management.
References
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Huete...