[Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia]

Abstract

The so-called non-occlusive disease (NOD) or non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a severe and life-threatening pathology. Even under optimal circumstances and standardised diagnostic and therapeutic procedures maximum survival rates do not exceed 50 %. The NOD is a pathology of the elder patient and its incidence rises with other comorbidities such as reduced cardiac output, diabetes and renal insufficiency. Induction of the disease with a severe vasoconstriction of the splanchnic vessels may be a simple cardiac decompensation, a frequent trigger however is a previous heart surgery with consecutive cardiac shock. Early diagnosis is difficult to conduct because of unspecific symptoms. Beside abdominal pain in awake patients, ileus or subileus is remaining the single acute symptom which could be also a consequence of a postoperative paralysis. Laboratory parameters such as leucocytosis and elevated lactat levels are often positive, but unspecific and the latter may be a delayed sign of progressive disease. The only sufficient method for diagnosis implicating a possible treatment option seems to be an immediate angiographic examination. Because of the disappointing results of a solitary surgical approach transarterial medication via catheter is indicated. Depending of the course of the disease only a combination of local mesenteric infusion of vasodilatory drugs and surgical resection of already necrotic bowel promises a successful therapeutic approach and better survival rates.