Mesenteric ischemia

Acute mesenteric ischemia is caused by the reduction or cessation of blood flow at the intestinal level.

It may occur suddenly (obstruction caused by a clot-embolism) or progressively (if cardiovascular risk factors are present). 

The clinical presentation is acute and intense abdominal pain, which may be associated with nausea, vomiting, transitory diarrhea, loss of appetite (anorexia) and the presence of blood in the stool. 

The diagnosis is obtained through a complete clinical history and physical examination, which should include a digital rectal examination to rule out blood in the stool. However, early onset signs and symptoms are not specific, requiring the performance of other tests for a definitive diagnosis (laboratory tests, computed tomography and mesenteric angiography).

Chronic ischemia generally has a good prognosis with the correct medical treatment (medication will be administered to make the blood flow more liquid and even dissolve the clot and medication to dilate the blood vessels) and with a change towards a healthy lifestyle. In acute ischemia, surgical exploration should not be deferred; its purpose is to resect the diseased bowel and restore irrigation.

It is a medical emergency for which one should go to a hospital center urgently.