MedicinePharmacotherapySurgeryAcute Care MedicineHemodynamic ManagementVascular SurgeryIntestinal IschemiaIschemic Heart DiseaseMesenteric IschemiaVasoactive Drug TherapyAbdominal Surgical ApproachDeath RatesMesenteric Arterial OcclusionMesenteric Artery InterventionMesenteric Ischemia ImagingNonocclusive Mesenteric IschemiaRadiologic Imaging
The incidence of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) has increased substantially over the last few decades. Death rates of 70% to 90% have been reported for traditional methods of diagnosis and therapy. Use of an aggressive radiologic, pharmacologic and surgical approach has decreased the mortality and morbidity associated with AMI. The cornerstones of management are prompt diagnosis by the earlier and more liberal use of angiography and the incorporation of intra-arterial papaverine in the treatment of both occlusive and nonocclusive AMI. Widespread adoption of this protocol in patients at risk might improve the overall results of treatment of AMI.