Nonocclusive ischaemic bowel disease in patients on chronic haemodialysis

Six patients with chronic renal failure on longstanding haemodialysis are presented, in whom nonocclusive bowel ischaemia occurred as a rare complication of their underlying disorder. Factors implicated in the development of bowel ischaemia in these patients are chronic constipation resulting in increased intraluminal pressure on the bowel wall, premature and progressive arterial disease and bouts of hypotension accompanying the haemodialysis procedure. Contrast studies of the bowel and computed tomography examination can suggest the diagnosis, but angiography alone provides the exact answer in demonstrating nonocclusive mesenteric ischaemia. In patients with chronic renal failure and longstanding dialysis presenting with abdominal symptoms this diagnosis should be considered.