Mesenteric ischemia: what the radiologist needs to know

Michael C Olson1, Joel G Fletcher1, Prashant Nagpal2

  • 1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.

Insights

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI), a critical condition causing abdominal pain, requires prompt diagnosis via computed tomography and revascularization to lower mortality. This review covers causes, imaging, and diagnostic challenges of intestinal ischemia.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a severe condition with high mortality.
  • Abdominal pain is a common presenting symptom.
  • Timely intervention is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a practical etiological classification for AMI.
  • To review the pathophysiology of imaging findings in intestinal ischemia.
  • To highlight common diagnostic pitfalls.

Main Methods:

  • Review of etiological classifications.
  • Analysis of imaging manifestations in intestinal ischemia.
  • Discussion of common diagnostic errors.

Main Results:

  • Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is key for early diagnosis.
  • Revascularization strategies are vital for reducing mortality.
  • Understanding imaging patterns aids in identifying AMI.

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis and prompt revascularization significantly improve outcomes in AMI.
  • Awareness of imaging findings and potential pitfalls enhances diagnostic accuracy.
  • A structured approach to classification and pathophysiology is beneficial.

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
313
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging01:19

Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging

DefinitionRenal angiography, also known as renal arteriography, is an imaging technique used to obtain a comprehensive view of blood flow and the vascular structure of blood vessels in the kidneys and surrounding areas.PurposeRenal angiography detects blood vessel abnormalities in the kidneys, such as aneurysms, stenosis, thrombosis, vascular tumors, and renal artery stenosis. It evaluates kidney function and guides interventional treatments like angioplasty or stent placement.Pre-Procedure...
313
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography01:17

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography

Cardiac imaging studies encompass a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques designed to visualize the heart's structure and function in detail. One such technique is echocardiography, which uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to produce detailed images of the heart, known as echocardiograms.
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...
732
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan01:13

Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan

Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
411
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI01:14

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
803
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
286