Infarction after embolization of the ileocolic artery
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Insights
Therapeutic embolization for colonic hemorrhage can lead to rare cases of bowel infarction. The ileocolic artery is a risky target for embolization due to potential devascularization of the cecum and appendix.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Therapeutic embolization is a treatment for colonic hemorrhage.
- Angiodysplasia is a common cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Observation:
- A patient with angiodysplasia experienced bowel infarction after embolization of the ileocolic artery.
- The arterial anatomy of the cecum involves critical branches supplying the cecum and appendix.
Findings:
- Occlusion of cecal branches of the ileocolic artery can cause devascularization.
- This devascularization can occur even if colic and ileal branches remain patent.
Implications:
- The ileocolic artery may not be an ideal candidate for therapeutic embolization.
- Alternative treatment strategies should be considered for colonic hemorrhage in this region.
Abstract:
Treatment of colonic hemorrhage by therapeutic embolization of the involved artery may, rarely, result in bowel infarction. In one patient with angiodysplasia, bowel infarction resulted from a therapeutic embolization of the ileocolic artery, because of the arterial anatomy of the cecum, occlusion of the cecal branches can result in devascularization of the cecum and appendix, even if the colic and ileal branches are not occluded. Thus, the ileocolic artery may not be a good candidate for therapeutic embolization.