Unexpected nonocclusive mesenteric infarction during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

An unexpected case of nonocclusive mesenteric infarction in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is described. The common clinical finding in this entity is a low cardiac output state or even circulatory collapse. Nonocclusive mesenteric infarction has been reported very rarely during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and only in the setting of cardiac dysfunction or prolonged hypotension. The current patient had none of the typical features commonly described in the clinical setting of nonocclusive mesenteric infarction; potential mechanisms, including the role of erythropoietin, in the genesis of this disorder are discussed.