Acute Hemorrhage and Necrosis of the Intestines Associated with Digitalization

Abstract

Eleven cases with acute hemorrhage and necrosis of the bowel are described. In all cases there was high dosage of digitalis and definite toxicity in seven. Digitalis was considered as the main associated factor, especially since there was no mesenteric arterial involvement and, in four cases, there was no congestive failure at autopsy. Hepatic vein or sinusoidal sphincter constriction with resulting portal splanchnic venous congestion was considered as possible mechanisms by which digitalization produced this syndrome.