The spectrum of acute intestinal vascular failure: a collective review of 43 cases in Taiwan.

High mortality rates associated with mesenteric ischaemia are a tremendous challenge. We reviewed 43 patients admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 1981 and 1988. A total of 24 patients (55.8%) had thrombosis or embolus of the superior mesenteric artery, five patients (11.6%) had superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, and 14 patients (32.6%) had non-occlusive infarction. Patients with mechanical obstructions (volvulus, intussusception, tumour compression, aortic dissection) causing mesenteric ischaemia were excluded. The initial symptoms were not specific before signs of peritonitis presented. The tetrad of leucocytosis (88.4%), metabolic acidosis (88.6%), hyperamylasaemia (46.9%) and elevated phosphate (33.3%) was noted to be significant. There was a high association with previous cardiovascular diseases (78.2%). The plain abdominal X-ray, which was the most frequently used investigative tool, showed suggestive but non-specific findings. A total of 38 patients (88.4%) were operated upon. In six patients (14%) the exploratory laparotomy was open and closed because the bowel gangrene was too extensive. The total mortality rate was 55.8%. To improve prognosis, clinical awareness of the problem should be raised and the use of mesenteric angiography should be encouraged in an attempt to obtain an early diagnosis.