[Prognostic factors in mesenteric infarct]

Abstract

Between 1979 and 1995 we operated 141 (80 female/61 male) patients with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) in our department with a median age of 71.5 years. We found 107 arterial occlusions of the intestinal arteries, 16 patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis and 18 non-occlusive-AMI. We performed 46 bowel resections, 24 vascular interventions, 11 combinations of both and in 60 cases laparotomy alone. The mortality rate was 70.9% (75% in over 70 years old patients and 65% in under 70 years old patients). Acute mesenteric ischemia remains a disease with a high mortality between 60 and 80%. Prognostic factors include the time interval until surgical intervention, elevated WBC and serum-lactate level. The mortality rate is higher in elderly patients than in younger patients which is mainly due to delayed surgery in the elderly group. If surgery is performed early the survival rate increases independent of age. The most important prognostic factor and the only factor that can be influenced by the surgeon is the time interval between onset of symptoms and surgery. Therefore angiography or laparotomy should be performed as early as possible in cases of suspected AMI.