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Small intestinal ischemia and infarction

Intestinal necrosis; Ischemic bowel - small intestine; Dead bowel - small intestine; Dead gut - small intestine; Infarcted bowel - small intestine; Atherosclerosis - small intestine; Hardening of the arteries - small intestine

 

Intestinal ischemia and infarction occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage of 1 or more of the arteries that supply the small intestine.

Causes

 

There are several possible causes of intestinal ischemia and infarction.

  • Hernia : If the intestine moves into the wrong place or becomes tangled, it can cut off the blood flow.
  • Adhesions : The intestine may become trapped in scar tissue (adhesions) from past surgery. This can lead to loss of blood flow if left untreated.
  • Embolus: Blood clots can block one of the arteries supplying the intestine. People who have had a heart attack or who have arrhythmias , such as atrial fibrillation , are at risk for this problem.
  • The arteries that supply blood to the bowel may become narrowed or blocked from cholesterol buildup. When this happens in the arteries to the heart, it causes a heart attack. When it happens in the arteries to the intestine, it causes intestinal ischemia.
  • The veins carrying blood away from the intestine may become blocked by blood clots. This blocks blood flow in the intestine. This is more common in people with liver disease, cancer, or blood clotting disorders.
  • Low blood pressure: Very low blood pressure in patients who already have narrowing of the intestinal arteries may also cause loss of blood flow to the intestine. This often occurs in people with other serious medical problems.

 

Symptoms

 

The main symptom of intestinal ischemia is abdominal pain. Other symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Severe abdominal pain, even though the area is not very tender when touched
  • Blood in the stool

 

Exams and Tests

 

Laboratory tests may show a high white blood cell (WBC) count (a marker of infection). There may be bleeding in the GI tract.

Some tests to detect the extent of damage include:

  • Increased acid in the bloodstream
  • Angiogram
  • CT scan of the abdomen
  • Doppler ultrasound of the abdomen

These tests do not always diagnose the problem. Sometimes, the only sure way to diagnose intestinal ischemia is with a surgical procedure.

 

Treatment

 

In most cases, the condition needs to be treated with surgery. The section of intestine that has died is removed, and the healthy remaining ends of the bowel are reconnected.

In some cases, a colostomy or ileostomy is needed. The blockage of arteries to the intestine is corrected, if possible.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Damage or death of the bowel tissue is a serious condition that can result in death if not treated right away. The outlook depends on the cause. Prompt treatment can lead to a good outcome.

 

Possible Complications

 

Damage or death of the bowel tissue may require a colostomy or ileostomy. This may be short-term or permanent. Peritonitis is common in these cases. People who have a large amount of tissue death in the intestine can have problems absorbing nutrients. They can become dependent on getting nutrition through their veins.

Some people may become severely ill with fever and a bloodstream infection ( sepsis ).

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you have any severe abdominal pain.

 

Prevention

 

Preventive measures include:

  • Controlling risk factors, such as irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
  • Not smoking
  • Eating a nutritious diet
  • Quickly treating hernias

 

 

Open References

References

Cheng CC, Choi L, Cheema Z, Silva MB. Acute mesenteric ischemia. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:939-946.

Hauser SC. Vascular diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 143.

Roline CE, Reardon RF. Disorders of the small intestine. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 92.

 
  • Digestive system

    Digestive system - illustration

    The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

    Digestive system

    illustration

  • Blood supply of the large intestine

    Blood supply of the large intestine - illustration

    The blood supply to the large intestine originates in the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.

    Blood supply of the large intestine

    illustration

    • Digestive system

      Digestive system - illustration

      The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

      Digestive system

      illustration

    • Blood supply of the large intestine

      Blood supply of the large intestine - illustration

      The blood supply to the large intestine originates in the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.

      Blood supply of the large intestine

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

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          Tests for Small intestinal ischemia and infarction

           
             

            Review Date: 1/28/2016

            Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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