Definition:
A diminished blood flow to the small intestine or colon is referred to as intestinal ischemia.
Diagnosis:
Several diagnostic tests include x-ray, endoscopy, colonoscopy, angiography, and CT scan.
Treatment:
Antibiotics are generally used to treat or prevent infections. The doctors also will treat any underlying medical condition, such as congestive heart failure or an irregular heartbeat. The patient may need to stop any medications that constrict the blood vessels, such as migraine drugs, hormone medications and some heart drugs.
Symptoms and Signs:
Signs and symptoms of acute intestinal ischemia typically include: sudden abdominal pain that may range from mild to severe; an urgent need to move your bowels; frequent, forceful bowel movements; abdominal tenderness or distention; blood in your stool; nausea, vomiting; and fever.
Causes:
Most of the time, acute intestinal ischemia is the result of a blood clot that forms in the heart and then travels to one of the intestinal arteries. Other times a blood clot may develop in a vein leading away from the intestines, reducing the outflow of deoxygenated blood. Sometimes intestinal ischemia occurs due to a portion of the intestine becomes trapped due to a hernia (strangulated hernia) or due to adhesions from a previous abdominal surgery. Other times it occurs due to heart failure or low blood pressure.
