Superior mesenteric artery embolization: an angiographic emergency.

Eleven cases of superior mesenteric artery embolization are presented. The extent of bowel necrosis was found to be related to two major factors: the site of occlusion and the elapsed time between the onset of symptoms and definitive therapy. Angiography, available on an emergency basis, provides a definitive diagnosis which can only be suspected by other means. Therapy instituted within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms in all cases resulted in a mortality of only 9% attributable to intestinal infarction.