Acute mesenteric ischemia is a rare but potentially catastrophic condition, and survival is highly dependent on timely diagnosis in the emergency department. Symptoms can be both variable and subtle. Laboratory studies may be misleading and may provide either false reassurance or misdirection. This
Our recent issue Diagnosis and Management of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in the Emergency Department includes evidence-based recommendations on the recognition of the four separate types of acute mesenteric ischemia, current guidelines on the diagnostic approach, and essential resuscitative steps that should be initiated in the emergency department.
Test Your Knowledge
Did you get it right? Click here to find out!
Ready to learn more? Log in to check out our recent issue Diagnosis and Management of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in the Emergency Department.
USACS subscribers can log in or renew here.
You can earn 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ by answering just 9 more questions! Subscribe today to review the issue and complete the 10-question quiz.
Here are a few key points:
- Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) carries a mortality rate of 50% to 80%.
- Although the incidence of AMI is estimated to be between 6.2 and 8.7 cases per 100,000 person years,this is likely an underestimate.
- The relative proportion of AMI types has changed over the last 50 years, with atherosclerotic occlusive disease now being the most common cause.
- Mesenteric ischemia occurs because of either impaired delivery or inadequate outflow of blood and can be occlusive or nonocclusive.
- There are 4 subtypes of AMI caused by the underlying mechanism that is reducing blood flow: (1) mesenteric artery embolism, (2) mesenteric artery thrombosis, (3) mesenteric venous thrombosis, and (4) nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia.
Read the full issue and earn 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
