[Partial ischemia. Occlusive and nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia, ischemic colitis, systemic lupus erythematosus]

Partial mesenteric ischemia is defined as an incomplete occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery resulting in acute abdominal pain, distended abdomen,and bowel hypomotility on auscultation. This disease can be acute or chronic and is caused by vascular occlusion or non-occlusive mechanisms. CT scan and ultrasound show a thickening of the ischemic bowel wall. On endoscopy, initially mucosal edema is observed which may proceed to necrosis. Therapy modalities depend upon the clinical findings: prevailing acute abdominal pain and peritonitis result in emergency laparotomy; prevailing cramping abdominal pain without clinical signs of peritonitis allows time for further diagnostic steps such as mesenteric angiography and interventional procedures. Laparoscopy should be performed in exceptional situations only.