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Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia Rescued by Immediate Surgical Exploration in a Boy with Severe Neurodevelopmental
Manami Mizumoto1, Fumihiro Ochi1, Toshihiro Jogamoto1
1Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
Background:
Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) defines acute mesenteric ischemia without occlusion of the mesenteric arteries. The most common cause of NOMI is vasoconstriction or vasospasm of a mesenteric artery. NOMI generally affects patients >50 years of age, and few cases have been reported in children.
Case Presentation:
A 15-year-old boy with severe neurodevelopmental disability developed sudden-onset fever, abdominal distention, and dyspnea. Laboratory and radiological findings indicated acute intestinal obstruction and prerenal failure. He developed transient cardiopulmonary arrest and hypovolemic shock. Emergent laparotomy was performed, which revealed segmentally necrotic intestine from the jejunum to the ascending colon with pulsation of peripheral intestinal arteries, leading to a diagnosis of NOMI. The necrotic intestine was resected, and stomas were created. He was discharged on postoperative day 334 with short bowel syndrome as a complication.
Conclusions:
NOMI should be considered a differential diagnosis for intestinal symptoms with severe general conditions in both adults and children with underlying disease. Immediate surgical exploration is essential with NOMI to save a patient's life.
Insights
Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI), a rare condition in children, can cause severe intestinal damage. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for survival in pediatric patients presenting with acute abdominal symptoms and NOMI.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Innovation
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is acute intestinal ischemia without arterial occlusion, often caused by vasoconstriction.
- NOMI predominantly affects adults over 50, with rare pediatric cases reported.
- Underlying conditions and severe illness increase NOMI risk.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old boy with neurodevelopmental disability presented with acute abdominal symptoms, including distention and dyspnea.
- Radiological and laboratory findings suggested intestinal obstruction and prerenal failure, progressing to shock.
- Emergent laparotomy revealed extensive jejunal to colonic necrosis, confirming NOMI despite palpable peripheral arterial pulsations.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of necrotic bowel and creation of stomas were performed.
- The patient experienced a prolonged hospital stay (334 days) due to short bowel syndrome.
- NOMI diagnosis in children necessitates considering underlying conditions and prompt surgical evaluation.
Implications:
- NOMI must be included in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients with severe abdominal conditions.
- Early surgical exploration is vital for NOMI management and improving patient outcomes.
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing NOMI in critically ill children with gastrointestinal distress.
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