Mesenteric Ischemia (10 of 12)

Patients with mesenteric ischemia have a very typical
presentation. However, the diagnosis may be overlooked
because of the vague nature of the patients' symptoms.
Depending on the type of mesenteric ischemia, patients
may present with a variety of signs and symptoms.
Patients may present with a history of postprandial pain,
typically starting 20-30 minutes after their last meal, that
may last up to 60-90 minutes. Because of this, they
develop food fear and experience subsequent weight loss.
Patients may be severely malnourished upon presentation.

Diagnostic Tests:

No reliable test
Helpful adjuncts include
ABG – acidosis indicates ischemia but only develops in 50%
Lactic acid
● Amylase
● Creatine phosphokinase
● D-Dimer (100% sensitivity in one study with 38% specificity)
● Leukocytosis – greater than 15K supports diagnosis.