Acute mesenteric ischemia classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Rim Halaby

Overview

Acute mesenteric ischemia can be classified into three main groups according to the different underlying causes: occlusive arterial, occlusive venous and non occlusive acute mesenteric ischemia. Each of these types has a characteristic clinical presentation and a different management plan.

Classification

1- Occlusive Arterial Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Sudden onset of occlusion of mesenteric artery, most commonly superior mesenteric artery
Embolism or thrombus in the mesenteric artery
Can be also caused by strangulation of the small bowels

2- Occlusive Venous Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Thrombosis in mesenteric portal veins

3- Non occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia

Systemic decrease in blood flow with associated constriction of the mesenteric vasculature.^[1]

References

↑ Klar E, Rahmanian PB, Bücker A, Hauenstein K, Jauch KW, Luther B: Acute mesenteric ischemia: a vascular emergency. Dtsch Arztebl Int 2012; 109(14): 249–56. DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2012.0249

[1] Klar E, Rahmanian PB, Bücker A, Hauenstein K, Jauch KW, Luther B: Acute mesenteric ischemia: a vascular emergency. Dtsch Arztebl Int 2012; 109(14): 249–56. DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2012.0249

[1]