Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia localized in the transverse colon: a case report

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is ischemia of the mesentery that is caused by hypoperfusion or vasospasm without any thrombosis. NOMI is difficult to diagnose by physical examination alone. Although angiographic examination of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is the usual diagnostic method used, it is an invasive examination. Usually, a long range of the bowel becomes discontinuously necrotic in NOMI. Here, we report a rare case of NOMI localized in the transverse colon that was diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) angiography which is a minimally invasive examination.

A 72-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for further treatment of abdominal pain that developed 1 day before presentation. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scan revealed attenuated enhancement of the transverse colon. CT angiography showed SMA irregularities due to vasospasm. The middle colic artery could not be detected by CT angiography. No occlusion due to thrombus or embolism in the SMA and superior mesenteric vein was observed. Based on the findings, NOMI was suspected, and emergency laparotomy was performed, which revealed a segmentally necrotic transverse colon. The necrotic bowel was resected, and stomas were created.

The presence of hypotension in the patient necessitated the use of CT angiography, which proved very useful in the early diagnosis of the present case. Thus, if intestinal ischemia is suspected, even in case of a short segment, CT angiography should be performed.