Emergency Physicians Monthly - By Long B and Koyfman A - May 19, 2016
"80% of acute mesenteric ischemia cases result in mortality because of missed diagnosis. Here’s how to recognize the signs...
Abdominal vascular catastrophes are uncommon but can be fatal. Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is one abdominal catastrophe of great interest to emergency physicians in that rapid diagnosis and initiation of treatment can prevent mortality and reduce long-term morbidity. The often quoted “Time is bowel” is a sentiment that speaks to the danger of this disease and need for diagnosis.
The annual incidence of this disease is 0.09-0.2% per year and ~1% of acute abdomen hospitalizations, but this rarity is offset with a 60-80% mortality within the first 24 hours especially if the disease is missed. With the population around the world growing older, this incidence is increasing. Unfortunately this disease presents with a variety of nonspecific symptoms that overlap with other diseases, creating challenges even for the most astute clinician..."