Intestinal ischemia and infarction

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Blood supply of the large intestine

Digestive system

Intestinal necrosis; Ischemic bowel; Dead bowel; Dead gut

The hallmark of intestinal ischemia is abdominal pain. Vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, fever, are also seen.

Laboratory tests may show an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count (a marker of infection) and increased acid in the bloodstream. A CT scan (special x-ray) of the abdomen may show abnormalities of the intestine.

An angiogram may be obtained. In this study, dye is injected into the arteries that supply the intestine, and x-rays are taken to show the location of the arterial blockage. None of these tests is foolproof, however, and sometimes the only sure way to diagnose ischemic bowel is with exploratory surgery.

Review Date: 07/14/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.