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.

Abstract

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.

Related Concept Videos

Intellectual Disability01:29

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
702
Learning Disabilities01:25

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
587
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure01:26

Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure

Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living...
380
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
490
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management01:25

Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management

Procedures for Kidney StonesMedical intervention is necessary when kidney stones or renal calculi are too large to pass spontaneously (typically greater than 5 millimeters) when stones are accompanied by symptomatic infection (such as fever or pyelonephritis), when they impair kidney function, or when they cause persistent symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or urinary retention. Additionally, patients with only one kidney or those who cannot be treated with medical management also require...
471
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care01:25

Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care

Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
874