Nonocclusive mesenteric vascular insufficiency

A case of nonocclusive mesenteric vascular insufficiency in a patient with congestive heart failure on digitalis and with arrhythmia is presented. The preoperative diagnosis was made through mesenteric arteriography. A course of treatment was followed which we believe prevented intestinal gangrene. This regimen includes measures to increase cardiac output, local pharmacologic agents to induce mesenteric vasodilatation, antibiotics, and oxygen. The viability of the intra-abdominal organs was demonstrated by laparotomy.