[Hyperlactacidemia in intestinal ischemia. I. Theoretical considerations]

Acute interruption of the blood flow of the bowel is a very severe disease. The very high lethality mainly depends on the difficulties in diagnosis. Laboratory findings were not considered until now. Earlier investigations have demonstrated the bowel's high demand for blood and oxygen and a specific high vulnerability by ischemia. Therefore anaerobic metabolism of the bowel should cause a high lactacidemia, even before necrosis.