Ischemic Bowel Disease

Abstract

Incidence of ischemic bowel disease as a direct cause of patient morbidity and mortality apparently is increasing. Bowel ischemia is associated with a wide range of clinical problems, and this diversity is a deterrent to accurate, early differential diagnosis. This article discusses diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemia of major and small segments of bowel as well as chronic mesenteric ischemia (abdominal angina). Particular attention is given to a definitive radiologic approach to diagnosis and to management based on specific etiology.