Mesenteric Ischemia Research Articles

Warfarin, not direct oral anticoagulants or antiplatelet therapy, is associated with increased bleeding risk in emergency general surgery patients: Implications in this new era of novel anticoagulants: An EAST multicenter study.

This study aimed to assess perioperative bleeding complications and in-hospital mortality in patients requiring emergency general surgery presenting with a history of antiplatelet (AP) versus direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) versus warfarin use. A prospective observational study across 21 centers between 2019 and 2022 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years or older, and DOAC, warfarin, or AP use within 24 hours of an emergency general surgery procedure. Outcomes included perioperative bleeding and in-hospital mortality. The study was conducted using analysis of variance, χ 2 , and multivariable regression models. Of the 413 patients, 221 (53.5%) reported AP use, 152 (36.8%) DOAC use, and 40 (9.7%) warfarin use. The most common indications for surgery were obstruction (23% [AP], 45% [DOAC], and 28% [warfarin]), intestinal ischemia (13%, 17%, and 23%), and diverticulitis/peptic ulcers (7%, 7%, and 15%). Compared with DOAC use, warfarin use was associated with significantly higher perioperative bleeding complication (odds ratio [OR], 4.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.0-9.9]). There was no significant difference in perioperative bleeding complication between DOAC and AP use (OR, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.4-1.1]). Compared with DOAC use, there was no significant difference in mortality between warfarin use (OR, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.2-2.5]) or AP use (OR, 0.5 [95% CI, 0.2-1.2]). After adjusting for confounders, warfarin use (OR, 6.3 [95% CI, 2.8-13.9]), medical history, and operative indication were associated with an increase in perioperative bleeding complications. However, warfarin was not independently associated with risk of mortality (OR, 1.3 [95% CI, 0.39-4.7]), whereas intraoperative vasopressor use (OR, 4.7 [95% CI, 1.7-12.8]), medical history, and postoperative bleeding (OR, 5.5 [95% CI, 2.4-12.8]) were. Despite ongoing concerns about the increase in DOAC use and lack of readily available reversal agents, this study suggests that warfarin, rather than DOACs, is associated with higher perioperative bleeding complications. However, that risk does not result in an increase in mortality, suggesting that perioperative decisions should be dictated by patient disease and comorbidities rather than type of AP or anticoagulant use. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.

Recurrent myocardial infarction in a patient with median arcuate ligament syndrome: a case report and literature review.

Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome, otherwise known as celiac artery compression syndrome, is rare and is characterized by celiac artery compression by the median arcuate ligament. We report a unique case of MAL syndrome with recurrent myocardial infarction as the primary manifestation, and offer new pathophysiological insights. A man in his early 50s experienced recurrent upper abdominal pain, electrocardiographic changes, and elevated troponin concentrations, which suggested myocardial infarction. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed considerable celiac artery stenosis due to MAL syndrome. The patient was diagnosed with MAL syndrome and acute myocardial infarction. He declined revascularization owing to economic constraints, and opted to have conservative treatment with Chinese herbal extracts and medications. He succumbed to sudden cardiac death during a subsequent abdominal pain episode. The findings from this case show that MAL syndrome can present with recurrent myocardial infarction rather than typical intestinal angina symptoms. The pathophysiological link may involve intestinal and cardiac ischemia. An accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of MAL syndrome require careful evaluation and investigation.

Comparative outcomes of open mesenteric bypass after a failed endovascular or open mesenteric revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia: Presented at the Forty-eighth Annual Symposium for the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, Miami, Fla, March 17, 2021.

Comparative outcomes of open mesenteric bypass after a failed endovascular or open mesenteric revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia: Presented at the Forty-eighth Annual Symposium for the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, Miami, Fla, March 17, 2021.

Treatment outcomes in non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia and post-treatment return to social activities.

To investigate the treatment outcomes of patients with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) at our institution, we focused on their post-treatment return to social activities. This study included patients with suspected NOMI who were referred to our department between 2011 and 2023. In-hospital mortality was also investigated as a prognostic factor. The Glasgow-Pittsburgh Outcome Categories (GPOC) score was used to evaluate the return to social activities. The relationship between in-hospital mortality and GPOC scores and patient background and treatment factors was examined. Eighty-two patients were included in the study. Among them, 54 (65.9%) died during hospitalization. Only 9 patients (11%) returned to their social activities. In the multivariate analysis, non-surgical management was found to be the only independent factor for in-hospital mortality. Positive portal venous gas on computed tomography, no open abdomen, no pre-onset catecholamine administration, platelet count < 100,000/µL, lactate level < 5mmol/L, APTT < 46s, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score < 11 were factors significantly associated with an increased likelihood of return to social activities. This is the first study to assess the post-treatment return to social activities among patients with NOMI. Our findings highlight the concerning reality that survivors may face prolonged dependence on medical care.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between medical or/and endovascular therapy in spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection patients without bowel ischemia

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the clinical results of endovascular intervention for spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) and its impact on superior mesenteric artery (SMA) remodeling in comparison to solely medical management. MethodsAll patients with SISMAD between January 2015 and August 2023 were included. The primary endpoints were the absence of major adverse events (MAEs), including dissection-related mortality, recurrence of mesenteric ischemia symptoms, and the necessity for intervention. The secondary endpoints were stenosis or occlusion of the SMA and morphologic remodeling of the dissections. ResultsA total of 217 SISMAD patients were included. In this study, 127 (58.5 %) patients received medical management alone (conservative group), and 90 (41.5 %) underwent endovascular therapy (EVT group). In the EVT group, the technical success rate was 94.4 % (85/90). During follow-up, 13 (6.0 %) patients experienced MAEs, and 1 patient in the conservative group death related to SISMAD. The patients in EVT group showed more complete remodeling than those in the conservative group (76 (84.4 %) vs 66 (52.0 %), P < .0001). Survival analysis showed that the estimated MAEs-free survival rates were97.8 %, 95.6 %, and 95.6 % in EVT group and 98.4 %, 94.5 %, 92.9 % in conservative group at one, two, and three years, respectively. No significant difference was observed in both groups. ConclusionThe findings indicate that both endovascular treatment and medical management alone yield comparable rates of MAE-free survival among patients with SISMAD. Additionally, endovascular therapy exhibits a higher rate of complete remodeling and greater freedom from stenosis or occlusion of the SMA.

Short cycles of remote ischemic preconditioning had no effect on tensile strength in small intestinal anastomoses: an experimental animal study

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on the healing of small intestinal anastomoses, evaluated by tensile strength and histologic wound healing on postoperative day 5. MethodsA total of 22 female pigs were randomized 1:1 into either an intervention or control group. The intervention group received 5 cycles of 3-minute ischemia followed by 3-minute reperfusion on the right forelimb. Two end-to-end anastomoses, a distal and a proximal, were created in the small intestine 30 and 60 min after RIPC, respectively. On postoperative day 5, the anastomoses were harvested and underwent a maximal anastomotic tensile strength (MATS) test (MATS 1–3) followed by histologic analyses. ResultsMATS 1, when a tear became visible in the serosa, was significantly increased in the proximal anastomoses of the RIPC group compared with the control group (4.91 N vs 3.83 N; P = .005). No other significant differences were found when comparing these 2 groups. ConclusionOur study showed no convincing results of RIPC on intestinal anastomotic healing to recommend its use in a general clinical setting. Further animal studies on RIPC’s effect after relative or absolute intestinal ischemia may be recommended.

Glucose-Stimulated Mucus Secretion by Goblet Cells Mitigates Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

BackgroundSuperior mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) causes barrier dysfunction and facilitates bacterial translocation (BT) in the small intestine, which can even lead to systemic sepsis. Our previous research showed that luminal administration of glucose and its anaerobic glycolytic metabolites exerted cytoprotective effects on epithelial cells and ameliorated I/R-induced BT in the liver and spleen. Notably, the reduction of BT occurs over the whole intestinal tract, not only restricted in the ligated glucose-containing loop. ObjectivesIn this study, we hypothesized that local jejunal glucose-contacting might confer on the remote intestinal epithelium regeneration potential, fortify their barrier function and goblet cell secretory activity. MethodsTwo 10-cm jejunal segments were isolated in Wistar rats. One segment was ligatured at both ends and infused with Krebs buffer containing 0- or 50-mM glucose (local loop), whereas the adjacent segment was left unaltered and not exposed to glucose (remote loop). The rats then underwent either a sham operation or I/R challenge by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 20 min, followed by reperfusion for 1 h. ResultsEnteral addition of glucose in the local jejunum loop alleviated ischemia-induced barrier defects, histopathological scores, cell death, and mucosal inflammation (myeloperoxidase and inflammatory cytokine production) in the remote jejunum. After ischemia, goblet cells in the remote jejunum showed cavitation of mucin granules and low MUC2 expression. Local addition of glucose enhanced MUC2 synthesis and stimulated a jet-like mucus secretion in the remote jejunum, which was accompanied by the restoration of crypt activity. ConclusionsOur results showed local enteral glucose effectively mitigates I/R-induced barrier dysfunction, suggesting that local glucose-stimulated mucus secretion by remote goblet cells may serve to mitigate mucosal inflammation and BT. We provide a more precise barrier protection role of enteral glucose upon I/R challenge, presenting new opportunities for future therapeutic potential.

Laparoscopic management of small bowel obstruction secondary to a mesodiverticular band of a Meckel's diverticulum in an adult: A case report and literature review.

The mesodiverticular band (MDB) of a Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a rare, yet notable etiology of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in adults. Due to the nonspecific symptoms and challenging diagnosis thereof, preoperative clinical suspicion and strategic management are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes. Therefore, we presented a case in which laparoscopic surgery was strategically performed to alleviate ileus, due to a preoperative diagnosis of SBO, suspected to be secondary to an MD with a concomitant MDB. A 32-year-old male patient presented with a half-day's duration of epigastric pain, abdominal distension, and tenderness, resulting in the working diagnosis of SBO. Initial non-contrast computed tomography (CT) revealed SBO without signs of strangulation, postulated to be caused by an MD and concomitant MDB, resulting in conservative management. The symptoms persisted, necessitating contrast-enhanced CT. However, the dilated bowel loop suggestive of an MD that had been observed on non-contrast CT could not be confirmed on contrast-enhanced CT. Decompression therapy using a long tube provided minimal relief, prompting laparoscopic surgery on the 5th day post-admission for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. An MD resection effectively relieved the SBO. The histopathological analysis revealed a true diverticulum with ectopic pancreatic tissue, confirming the diagnosis of an MD. At the band site, vascular and neural structures were encased in a sheath, consistent with the remnants of the vitelline duct mesentery; and histopathologically diagnosed as an MDB. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 9th day, postoperatively. Decompression therapy and strategic laparoscopic surgery based on the preoperative working diagnosis of SBO yielded favorable outcomes, highlighting the importance of the early clinical suspicion of an MD and a concomitant MDB, as the etiology of SBO. The imaging variability and rarity of an MD in adults emphasizes the need for a heightened awareness and an accurate diagnosis for optimal management. Early intervention should be deliberated for patients with suspected intestinal ischemia. However, this case accentuates the clinical implications of strategic planning and employing minimally invasive techniques in the management of an MD-related SBO in adults.

COVID‐19 with multi‐organ arterial and venous thrombosis. A case report

AbstractThis case illustrates a late complication of viral pneumonia, likely due to COVID‐19, characterized by simultaneous acute arterial and venous thrombosis in multiple organs. The patient experienced myocardial infarction with left ventricular thrombus, pulmonary embolism, acute limb ischemia, superior mesenteric artery thrombosis, renal artery thrombosis, and deep vein thrombosis, posing significant challenges in both management and determining the etiology.

Unexplained colonic necrosis in a patient with end-stage kidney disease on chronic hemodialysis: case report and review of uremic colitis

BackgroundIntestinal necrosis in uremic patients has been reported but is rare.Case presentationA 56-year-old male patient who underwent long-term regular haemodialysis was admitted to the hospital due to involuntary shaking of the limbs and nonsense speech. The patient’s symptoms improved after continuous blood purification under heparin anticoagulation, rehydration, sedation, and correction of electrolyte disturbances. However, the patient experienced a sudden onset of abdominal pain and a rapid decrease in blood pressure; high-dose norepinephrine were required to maintain his blood pressure. A plain abdominal radiograph performed at bedside showed intestinal dilation. Colonoscopy revealed inflammation and oedema of the entire colon, with purulent secretions and multiple areas of patchy necrosis. The cause of intestinal ischaemia was not clear.ConclusionsAlthough rare, previous causes of uremic colitis have been reported. As the patient developed abdominal pain before the onset of shock and the necrosis was seen on colonoscopy, we suspect that this is a case of fulminant uremic colitis.

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome Involving a Celio-Mesenteric Trunk-a Lesson Learnt

Celio-mesenteric trunk (CMT) is a rare vascular variation of the ventral branches of the abdominal aorta that supply blood to the mesentery and the gut. This rare variation is seen in 2/100.000 population. The presence of this anomaly is associated with an increased risk of mesenteric ischemia in the case of proximal occlusion. Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome is a controversial entity characterized by compression of the celiac axis by MAL causing post-prandial pain. We report the fourth case of MAL compression syndrome involving a CMT in the world.

Real-time quantification of laser speckle contrast imaging during intestinal laparoscopic surgery: successful demonstration in a porcine intestinal ischemia model

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage (AL) is a dreaded complication following colorectal cancer surgery, impacting patient outcome and leads to increasing healthcare consumption as well as economic burden. Bowel perfusion is a significant modifiable factor for anastomotic healing and thus crucial for reducing AL.AimsThe study aimed to calculate a cut-off value for quantified laser speckle perfusion units (LSPUs) in order to differentiate between ischemic and well-perfused tissue and to assess inter-observer reliability.MethodsLSCI was performed using a porcine ischemic small bowel loop model with the PerfusiX-Imaging® system. An ischemic area, a well-perfused area, and watershed areas, were selected based on the LSCI colormap. Subsequently, local capillary lactate (LCL) levels were measured. A logarithmic curve estimation tested the correlation between LSPU and LCL levels. A cut-off value for LSPU and lactate was calculated, based on anatomically ischemic and well-perfused tissue. Inter-observer variability analysis was performed with 10 observers.ResultsDirectly after ligation of the mesenteric arteries, differences in LSPU values between ischemic and well-perfused tissue were significant (p < 0.001) and increased significantly throughout all following measurements. LCL levels were significantly different (p < 0.001) at both 60 and 120 min. Logarithmic curve estimation showed an R2 value of 0.56 between LSPU and LCL values. A LSPU cut-off value was determined at 69, with a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.87. A LCL cut-off value of 3.8 mmol/L was found, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.97 and 1.0, respectively. There was no difference in assessment between experienced and unexperienced observers. Cohen’s Kappa values were moderate to good (0.52–0.66).ConclusionReal-time quantification of LSPUs may be a feasible intraoperative method to assess tissue perfusion and a cut-off value could be determined with high sensitivity and specificity. Inter-observer variability was moderate to good, irrespective of prior experience with the technique.

Non-occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia – A Rare but Deadly Condition

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia is a rare but often fatal condition that occurs due to spasms in the splanchnic arteries leading to hypoperfusion, cellular death, bowel ischemia, and eventually perforation. Having a high clinical suspicion in the correct setting is crucial to identify and treating the medical condition quickly. This is a unique case of an 82-year-old Caucasian male who presented with peritonitis secondary to acute mesenteric ischemia caused by hypotension leading to the eventual finding of bowel ischemia and perforation. J MEDICINE 2024; 25: 176-178

Effects of the feeding protocol during blood transfusion on splanchnic tissue oxygenation and complications in very premature infants.

The effects of blood transfusions on splanchnic oxygenation and complications related to blood transfusions, including red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, in premature infants undergoing enteral feeding, to provide clinical evidence for a management protocol for premature infants during the peri-transfusion period. This single-blind, randomized, controlled trial enrolled sixty eligible preterm infants who were randomly divided into the withholding feeding group (n = 30) or feeding group (n = 30). Enteral feeding was withheld for 8 h, beginning from the start of transfusion infants in the feeding group were fed according to the pre-transfusion feeding approach during and after RBC transfusion. Baseline characteristics of those in the withholding and feeding groups were as follows: gestational age (weeks) 27.52 (24.86-30.14) and 27.13 (25.43-30.14); birth weight (g), 1,027 (620-1,450) and 1,027 (620-1,270); blood transfusion day, 48 (14-79) and 39 (10-78); and hemoglobin before blood transfusion (g/L), 81.67 (±10.56) and 85.93 (±14.77). No significant differences were observed between groups at baseline. No significant differences were observed in the average splanchnic tissue oxygenation changes or clinical results at any time. One patient in the withholding feeding group experienced transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis. No differences in splanchnic oxygenation observed these feeding protocols. This study suggests the feasibility of a sizable trial to evaluate clinical outcomes. The risks of mesenteric ischemia and transfusion-related necrotizing enterocolitis for premature infants were not increased by enteral feeding during RBC transfusion. ChiCTR2200055726 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/).

Emodin alleviates intestinal ischemia–reperfusion injury through antioxidant stress, anti-inflammatory responses and anti-apoptosis effects via Akt-mediated HO-1 upregulation

BackgroundIntestinal ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a severe vascular emergency. Previous research indicated the protective effects of Emodin on I/R injury. Our study aims to explore the effect of Emodin on intestinal I/R (II/R) injury and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.MethodsC57BL/6 mice and Caco-2 cells were used for in vivo and in vitro studies. We established an animal model of II/R injury by temporarily occluding superior mesenteric artery. We constructed an oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) cell model using a hypoxia-reoxygenation incubator. Different doses of Emodin were explored to determine the optimal therapeutic dose. Additionally, inhibitors targeting the protein kinase B (Akt) or Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were administered to investigate their potential protective mechanisms.ResultsOur results demonstrated that in animal experiments, Emodin mitigated barrier disruption, minimized inflammation, reduced oxidative stress, and inhibited apoptosis. When Akt or HO-1 was inhibited, the protective effect of Emodin was eliminated. Inhibiting Akt also reduced the level of HO-1. In cell experiments, Emodin reduced inflammation and apoptosis in the OGD/R cell model. Additionally, when Akt or HO-1 was inhibited, the protective effect of Emodin was weakened.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that Emodin may protect the intestine against II/R injury through the Akt/HO-1 signaling pathway.

The value of D-dimer and platelet-lymphocyte ratio combined with CT signs for predicting intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction.

To investigate the diagnostic value of D-dimer, platelet-lymphocyte rate (PLR) and CT signs for intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 105 patients diagnosed with bowel obstruction, and performed univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the independent risk factors for intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to examine the diagnostic value of D-dimer, PLR and CT signs in patients with bowel obstruction. Besides, Kappa tests were used to assess inter-observer agreement. We included 56 men (53%) and 49 women (47%) with mean age of 66.05 ± 16 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that D-dimer, PLR and two significant CT signs (i.e., increased unenhanced bowel-wall attenuation and mesenteric haziness) were independent risk factors for intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction. ROC analysis showed that the combined use of D-dimer, PLR and the said two CT signs had better performance than single indicators in predicting intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction. The area under the curve (AUC) of the joint model III was 0.925 [95%CI: 0.876-0.975], with a sensitivity of 79.2% [95CI%: 67.2-91.1] and a specificity of 91.2% [95%CI: 83.7-98.9]. The combined use of D-dimer, PLR and CT signs has high diagnostic value for intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction and will prompt surgical exploration to evaluate intestinal blood flow.

Endovascular Management of Intestinal Ischemia

Abstract Background Mesenteric ischemia requiring revascularization is associated with high mortality in both chronic and acute forms. Disparate etiologies and nonspecific symptoms make the diagnosis challenging and often result in delayed diagnosis and intervention. More often surgery is required and is frequently lifesaving. Percutaneous transcatheter techniques are increasingly employed in both diagnosis and treatment. Aim and Objectives To highlight the recent trends in management of patients with mesenteric vascular occlusion. Subjects and Methods This was is a prospective study, conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals and Nasser institute Hospital in Cairo on 30 patients complaining of acute or chronic intestinal ischemia in the form of abdominal pain and post prandial meal. Result Among the studied cases there were 4 (13.3%) with complete effect of thrombolysis, 1 (3.3%) with partial effect, 2 (6.7%) with no lysis, 8 (25.7%) with dilatation, 13 (43.3%) dilatation and stent and 13 (43.3%) with failed dilatation. Conclusion Endovascular intervention can be an alternative to open surgery for intestinal revascularization for the management of early cases of acute SMA occlusion. CTA rapid diagnosis, urgent endovascular management and intensive care and follow up are the cornerstone for good prognosis.

Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion after Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT) is a potentially severe complication that can occur after bariatric surgery. PMVT has gained importance because of the increasing number of bariatric surgeries being performed Aim and Objectives The main aim of this study was to assess how to investigate and manage the complications of the mesenteric vascular occlusion as well as to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients undergoing bariatric surgery and the association of this surgical procedure and mesenteric vascular occlusion. Subjects and Methods This meta-analysis obtained 295 articles from PubMed, 603 articles from Scopus, 1 article from Cochrane library and 444 from web of science. 509 duplicated articles were removed using Endnote X8 program (Tompson Reuter, USA), 834 articles manually underwent titles and Abstracts screening and 247 articled underwent full-text review. 35 studies finally met our inclusion criteria. Results A total of thirty two studies reported the incidence of porto-mesenteric thrombosis with a total number of 41438 underwent different techniques of bariatric surgery. The overall incidence of porto-mesenteric thrombosis was 0.3% [OR = 0.003, (95% CI = 0.002: 0.004). Most of the studies were consistent in reporting an incidence rate nearby by 0.3% except few studies which reported higher incidence rate. Conclusion PMVT is a rare presentation after LSG, which requires early diagnosis and management. Conservative management through anticoagulants and thrombolytic therapy is quite effective and, if indicated, should always be considered as the primary treatment option.

Biomarkers In Prediction of Acute Mesenteric Ischaemia: a prospective multicentre study (BIPAMI study): a study protocol

BackgroundAcute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a life-threatening disease where early diagnosis is critical to avoid morbidity and mortality from extensive irreversible bowel necrosis. Appropriate prediction of presence of bowel necrosis is currently not available but would help to choose the optimal method of treatment.The study aims to identify combinations of biomarkers that can reliably identify AMI and distinguish between potentially reversible and irreversible bowel ischaemia.MethodsThis is a prospective multicentre study. Adult patients with clinical suspicion of AMI (n = 250) will be included. Blood will be sampled on admission, at and after interventions, or during the first 48 h of suspicion of AMI if no intervention undertaken. Samples will be collected and the following serum or plasma biomarkers measured at Tartu University Hospital laboratory: intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), alpha-glutathione S-transferase (Alpha- GST), interleukin 6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA), D-lactate, D-dimer, signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). Additionally, more common laboratory markers will be measured in routine clinical practice at study sites.Diagnosis of AMI will be confirmed by computed tomography angiography, surgery, endoscopy or autopsy.Student’s t or Wilcoxon rank tests will be used for comparisons between transmural vs. suspected (but not confirmed) AMI (comparison A), confirmed AMI of any stage vs suspected AMI (comparison B) and non-transmural AMI vs transmural AMI (comparison C). Optimal cut-off values for each comparison will be identified based on the AUROC analysis and likelihood ratios calculated. Positive likelihood ratio > 10 (> 5) and negative likelihood ratio < 0.1 (< 0.2) indicate high (moderate) diagnostic accuracy, respectively. All biomarkers with at least moderate accuracy will be entered as binary covariates (using the best cutoffs) into the multivariable stepwise regression analysis to identify the best combination of biomarkers for all comparisons separately. The best models for each comparison will be used to construct a practical score to distinguish between no AMI, non-transmural AMI and transmural AMI.DiscussionAs a result of this study, we aim to propose a score including set of biomarkers that can be used for diagnosis and decision-making in patients with suspected AMI.Trial registrationNCT06212921 (Registration Date 19–01-2024).

CT evaluation of bowel wall enhancement in pneumatosis intestinalis: preventing non-therapeutic laparotomies.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of bowel wall enhancement for diagnosing concomitant bowel ischemia in patients with parietal pneumatosis (PI) diagnosed at abdominal CT. From January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021, 226 consecutive patients who presented with PI on abdominal CT from any bowel segment were included. Variables at the time of the CT were retrospectively extracted from medical charts. CT examinations were blindly analyzed by two independent radiologists. The third reader classified all disagreement of bowel enhancement in three categories: (1) normal bowel enhancement; (2) doubtful bowel wall enhancement; (3) absent bowel wall enhancement. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Concomitant bowel ischemia was defined as requirement of bowel resection specifically due to ischemic lesion in operated patients and death from bowel ischemia in non-operated patients. Overall, 78/226 (35%) patients had PI associated with concomitant bowel ischemia. At multivariate analysis, Only absence or doubtful bowel wall enhancement was associated with concomitant bowel ischemia (OR = 167.73 95%CI [23.39-4349.81], P < 0,001) and acute mesenteric ischemia associated with PP (OR = 67.94; 95%CI [5.18-3262.36], P < 0.009). Among the 82 patients who underwent a laparotomy for suspected bowel ischemia, rate of non-therapeutic laparotomy increased from 15/59 (25%), 2/6 (50%) and 16/17 (94%) when bowel wall enhancement was absent, doubtful and normal respectively. Absence of enhancement of the bowel wall is the primary feature associated with concomitant bowel ischemia. It should be carefully assessed when PI is detected to avoid non-therapeutic laparotomy.