[Acute intestinal ischemia from arterial thrombosis. Value of emergency arteriography and revascularization]

A 77 year old woman undergoing surgery for acute digestive arterial thrombosis, was successfully revascularized without intestinal resection. Early diagnosis is difficult and is based upon evaluation of past history and an arteriography when there is the slightest doubt. Apart from when necrosis is already developed, revascularization by aorto-superior mesentric by-pass using an autologus saphenous vein and a routine "second look" to assess intestinal viability is the best therapeutic approach.