Intestinal Ischaemia Flashcards
1
Q
def
A
obstruction (by embolus or thrombosis) of a mesenteric vessel leading to bowel ischaemia + necrosis
2
Q
aetiology
A
1 embolus (60%)
2 arterial thrombosis (25%)
3 venous thrombosis (15%)
3
Q
associations/risk factors
A
1 embolus -AF -endocarditis 2 arterial thrombosis -hypercholesterolaemia -HTN -smoking -DM 3 venous thrombosis -portal HTN -HF
4
Q
epi
A
more common with age
5
Q
history
A
1 severe acute colicky pain 2 vomiting 3 rectal bleeding 4 chronic mesenteric artery insufficiency -severe weight loss -abdominal pain after eating
6
Q
examination
A
1 diffuse abdominal tenderness + distension
2 bowel sounds may be absent
7
Q
investigations
A
1 bloods -ABG (lactic acidosis) -FBC, UEs, LFTs 2 AXR/CT -bowel wall thickening/gas in bowel wall 3 mesenteric angiography -to localise ischaemia