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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Murine Model of Intestinal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Published on: May 11, 2016
Multiple small bowel ruptures due to ischemic enteritis: a case report
Stylianos Delikoukos1, Gregorios Christodoulidis, Dimitrios Zacharoulis
1Department of Surgery, Larissa University Hospital, Larissa, Greece. morfula@otenet.gr
Abstract:
A rare case of multiple small bowel ruptures due to ischemic enteritis (ISE) is reported. The patient was admitted to the hospital with acute abdominal pain followed by bloody diarrhoeas. Preoperative colonoscopic findings were similar to those presented in Crohn's disease. Intraoperatively, ischemic lesions and multiple ruptures were localized at the jejunum and the proximal ileum. Histopathological examination of the resected bowel segment established the diagnosis of ISE. Although ISE is not common, concurred multiple ruptures of the small bowel is a rare but actual complication.
Insights
Multiple small bowel ruptures from ischemic enteritis (ISE) are rare but possible. This case highlights ISE as a cause of acute abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, leading to bowel perforation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Ischemic enteritis (ISE) is an uncommon condition affecting the small intestine.
- Multiple small bowel ruptures are a rare but serious complication of ISE.
Observation:
- A patient presented with acute abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.
- Preoperative colonoscopy suggested Crohn's disease.
- Intraoperative findings revealed ischemic lesions and multiple ruptures in the jejunum and proximal ileum.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed ischemic enteritis (ISE) as the cause of the small bowel ruptures.
- The case demonstrates a rare clinical presentation of ISE.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering ISE in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen with bloody diarrhea, even when findings mimic other conditions like Crohn's disease.
- Recognizing ISE as a cause of bowel rupture is crucial for timely surgical intervention and management.
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