Mesenteric ischemia--a complex disease requiring an interdisciplinary approach. A review of the current literature

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Mesenteric ischemia results from reduced intestinal blood flow, leading to severe complications like sepsis, bowel infarction, and death.
• The incidence of mesenteric ischemia is rising due to increased awareness, an aging population, and more critically ill patients.
• Acute mesenteric ischemia is a vascular emergency with high mortality (60-80%), necessitating rapid diagnosis and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and prompt revascularization in managing mesenteric ischemia.
• To discuss current and emerging treatment modalities for mesenteric ischemia.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on mesenteric ischemia.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria and clinical presentations.
• Overview of treatment strategies, including medical, endovascular, and surgical options.

Main Results:

• Early diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia relies on a high index of suspicion, compatible history, and physical examination.
• Restoring intestinal blood flow quickly is the primary treatment goal for acute mesenteric ischemia.
• Chronic mesenteric ischemia diagnosis involves clinical picture, splanchnic vessel occlusion, and exclusion of other causes.

Conclusions:

• Prompt diagnosis and rapid restoration of intestinal blood flow are critical for improving outcomes in mesenteric ischemia.
• Treatment options for mesenteric ischemia range from medical management to endovascular procedures and surgery.
• Both acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia require timely intervention, with revascularization being a key therapeutic approach.