Reduction or cessation of blood flow to the intestine.
It can occur suddenly (obstruction caused by a clot-embolism) or progressively (if there are cardiovascular risk factors).
The clinical presentation is acute and intense abdominal pain, which may be associated with nausea, vomiting, transient diarrhoea, loss of appetite (anorexia) and blood in the stool.
Diagnosis is based on a complete 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 other tests for a definitive diagnosis (laboratory tests, CT-scan and mesenteric angiography).
Chronic ischaemias generally have a good prognosis with the correct medical treatment (medication to make the blood flow more fluid and even dissolve the clot and medication to dilate the blood vessels) and a change towards a healthy lifestyle. In acute ischaemia, surgical exploration should not be deferred; its purpose is to resect the diseased bowel and restore blood supply.
It is a medical emergency and should be treated in a hospital as a matter of urgency.
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