Actualización en el manejo de la isquemia mesentérica aguda

La isquemia mesentérica aguda (IMA) es una emergencia médico-quirúrgica poco frecuente con alta morbimortalidad. Corresponde a una interrupción brusca del aporte sanguíneo a un segmento del intestino, produciendo isquemia, daño celular, necrosis intestinal y eventualmente la muerte. La principal etiología de este cuadro es la oclusión arterial de tipo embólica, seguida por la trombótica, no oclusiva y trombótica venosa. Es una patología infrecuente con una incidencia baja, de 12 por 100.000 habitantes en series internacionales. Su principal síntoma es el dolor abdominal tipo cólico de comienzo brusco, vómitos y diarrea, esta última sucediendo posteriormente. En el examen físico se pueden constatar signos de shock y distensión abdominal. Ante la sospecha, los pacientes hemodinámicamente inestables deben ser llevados urgentemente a laparotomía exploradora, y en aquellos estables, se debe solicitar un Angio-TC para confirmar el diagnóstico y planificar el tratamiento. Existen dos métodos para tratar esta patología: la cirugía abierta y la cirugía endovascular o mínimamente invasiva. Finalmente, con el avance de estos nuevos métodos, la tasa de mortalidad ha disminuido, significativamente, en la última década.

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a rare medical-surgical emergency that must be treated early due to its high morbidity and mortality. It corresponds to a sudden interruption of the blood supply to a segment of the intestine, producing ischemia, cell damage, intestinal necrosis and eventually death if it is not treated. The main etiology of this condition is embolic-type arterial occlusion, followed by thrombotic, nonocclusive, and venous thrombotic. It is an infrequent pathology with a low incidence of 12 per 100,000 inhabitants in international series. During the information collection, no data was found on the Chilean population since before 1983. Its main symptom is colicky abdominal pain with a sudden onset, vomiting and diarrhea that begins after the pain. On physical examination, signs of shock and abdominal distention may be noted. Hemodynamically unstable patients should be urgently taken to exploratory laparotomy as soon as the condition is suspected, and in stable patients, an angio-CT should be requested to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment. There are two methods to treat this pathology, open surgery and endovascular or minimally invasive surgery. The form of therapy depends on the preoperative or intraoperative findings and the type of etiology. Finally, with the advancement of these new methods, the mortality rate has decreased in the last decade.

Isquemia mesentérica aguda: un desafío de la medicina. Reporte de un caso

La isquemia intestinal aguda es una emergencia vascular provocada por fenómenos oclusivos y no oclusivos de la circulación mesentérica arterial y venosa, de difícil diagnóstico y pronóstico ominoso. Su incidencia va en aumento paulatino con el decurso de los años, asociada fundamentalmente al envejecimiento de la población. La tasa de mortalidad es elevada a pesar de los avances en el campo de la imagenología. Suele diagnosticarse de forma tardía, cuando está establecido el daño isquémico intestinal de carácter irreversible. El elemento imprescindible e indispensable lo constituye el tiempo que trascurre hasta la cirugía, por lo que su diagnóstico sigue siendo un reto clínico. El tratamiento exige medidas médicas intensivas, al igual que cirugía de revascularización y resección del intestino necrosado. Por desdicha, el examen físico y los hallazgos de laboratorio no son sensibles ni específicos para su diagnóstico. Teniendo en cuenta estos elementos, se presenta el caso de una paciente de 38 años con clínica difusa de vómitos, diarrea y dolor abdominal progresivo, que requirió intervención quirúrgica de urgencia con diagnóstico transoperatorio de isquemia mesentérica aguda. Durante su estancia hospitalaria se relaparotomizó en dos ocasiones, mantuvo soporte ventilatorio e inotrópico por fallo multiorgánico en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, mostrando una adecuada evolución posquirúrgica. El objetivo de esta presentación es enfatizar en la clínica como elemento fundamental para abordar de forma correcta esta entidad en un medio hospitalario de limitados recursos diagnósticos imagenológicos, al abordar conceptos teóricos recientes y facilitar una adecuada actuación en la toma de decisiones.

Acute intestinal ischemia is a vascular emergency caused by occlusive and non-occlusive phenomena of the mesenteric arterial and venous circulation of difficult diagnosis and ominous prognosis. Its incidence is gradually increasing over the years, mainly associated with the ageing of the population. The mortality rate is high despite advances in the field of imaging. It is usually diagnosed late, when irreversible ischemic intestinal damage is established. The essential and indispensable element is the time that elapses until surgery, so its diagnosis continues to be a clinical challenge. Treatment requires intensive medical measures, as well as revascularization surgery and resection of the necrotic intestine. Unfortunately, physical examination and laboratory findings are neither sensitive nor specific for its diagnosis. Taking these elements into account, the authors present the case of a 38-year-old female patient with diffuse symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and progressive abdominal pain that required emergency surgery with intraoperative diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia. During her hospital stay, she underwent re-laparotomy twice, maintained ventilatory and inotropic support due to multi-organ failure in the Intensive Care Unit, showing an adequate post-surgical evolution. The objective of this presentation is to emphasize in the clinic as a fundamental element to correctly address this entity in a hospital environment with limited imaging diagnostic resources by addressing recent theoretical concepts and facilitating adequate action in decision-making.

Evaluation of the possible effects of the COVID-19 period on the clinical outcomes of acute mesenteric ischemia.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the possible effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period on the frequency and clinical course of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) cases. Material and methods: A total of 35 patients who were treated and followed up with a diagnosis of AMI over 44 months were included. Results: The mean age of the patients was 69 ± 12 years. Of these patients, 22 were male (63%). The most common cause of AMI in the patients was arterial embolism/thrombosis (68.6%). Thirty-three (94%) of the patients underwent surgical intervention. The duration of the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods was equal as 22 months, and 18 (51%) of the patients were admitted during the pandemic period. The mortality rate of the patients admitted during the COVID-19 period was also significantly higher than that of the patients admitted during the pre-COVID-19 period (61% and 29%) (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Although the COVID-19 period did not cause a significant increase in the number of AMI cases when compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, the mortality rate was higher in this period. It is thought that further studies are required to investigate the cause of this increased mortality rate during the pandemic period.

Objetivo: Investigar los posibles efectos del período COVID-19 en la frecuencia y el curso clínico de los casos de isquemia mesentérica aguda (IAM). Material y métodos: Se incluyeron un total de 35 pacientes tratados y seguidos con diagnóstico de IAM durante 44 meses. Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 69 ± 12 años. De estos pacientes, 22 eran hombres (63%). La causa más frecuente de IAM en los pacientes fue la embolia/trombosis arterial (68.6%). Treinta y tres (94%) de los pacientes fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente. La duración de los períodos pre-COVID-19 y COVID-19 fue igual a 22 meses, y 18 (51%) de los pacientes ingresaron durante el período pandémico. La tasa de mortalidad de los pacientes ingresados durante el periodo COVID-19 también fue significativamente mayor que la de los pacientes ingresados durante el periodo pre-COVID-19 (61% y 29%) (p = 0.05). Conclusiones: Si bien el período COVID-19 no provocó un aumento significativo en el número de casos de IAM en comparación con el período pre-COVID-19, la tasa de mortalidad fue mayor en este período. Se cree que se requieren más estudios para investigar la causa de este aumento en la tasa de mortalidad durante el período pandémico.

Penumbra aspiration thrombectomy of the superior mesenteric artery for mesenteric ischemia.

Acute mesenteric ischemia from thromboembolic occlusion is a life-threatening emergency associated with a high mortality rate. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are vital to preserve viable bowel and prevent mortality. In the past decade, a shift has occurred toward minimally invasive alternatives such as endovascular therapies. We present a case of acute mesenteric ischemia from superior mesenteric artery thrombosis treated promptly with the Penumbra suction thrombectomy device (Penumbra Inc).

Morbilidad y mortalidad por isquemia mesentérica aguda en el Hospital Universitario "Arnaldo Milián Castro" / Mobility and Mortality for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in "Arnaldo Milián Castro" University Hospital

Introducción: La isquemia mesentérica aguda es la condición clínica que aparece cuando el flujo sanguíneo del territorio mesentérico resulta insuficiente para satisfacer los requerimientos del intestino. Objetivo: Caracterizar la morbilidad y mortalidad de los pacientes con isquemia mesentérica aguda. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, en el Servicio de cirugía del Hospital Universitario "Arnaldo Milián Castro" de Santa Clara, Villa Clara desde enero del 2016 hasta diciembre del 2020. La muestra quedó constituida por 119 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: De los 119 pacientes que presentaron isquemia mesentérica aguda, predominaron pacientes con factores de riesgo mayores de 65 años 97 (81,5 por ciento), femeninos 61 (51,3 por ciento), fumadores 52 (43,7 por ciento), con hipertensión arterial 84 (70,6 por ciento), cardiopatía isquémica 57 (47,9 por ciento), diabetes mellitus 31 (26,1 por ciento) y enfermedad arterial periférica 20 (16,8 por ciento). Predominó el tratamiento quirúrgico: la laparotomía exploratoria y cierre 55 (46,3 por ciento). Las complicaciones más frecuentes encontradas: el fallo múltiple de órganos 25 (25,7 por ciento) en los pacientes fallecidos. En los hallazgos necrológicos predominó la trombosis arterioesclerótica de la arteria mesentérica superior. Conclusiones: La isquemia mesentérica resulta frecuente en pacientes con factores de riesgo como son la edad mayor de 65 años, el sexo femenino, el hábito tóxico del tabaquismo y las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles tales como la hipertensión arterial, cardiopatía isquémica y la diabetes mellitus. El tratamiento más realizado es el quirúrgico (la laparotomía y el cierre). En la mayoría de las necropsias realizadas la trombosis de la arteria mesentérica superior es el mayor hallazgo en los informes necrológicos(AU)

Introduction: Acute mesenteric ischemia is the clinical condition that appears when the blood flow of the mesenteric area becomes insufficient to meet intestinal requirements. Objective: To characterize the morbidity and mortality of patients with acute mesenteric ischemia. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the surgery service of Arnaldo Milián Castro University Hospital of Santa Clara City, Villa Clara Province, Cuba, from January 2016 to December 2020. The sample consisted of 119 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Of the 119 patients who presented acute mesenteric ischemia, patients with risk factors predominated: older than 65 years (97; 81.5 percent), female (61; 51.3 percent), smokers (52; 43.7 percent), with arterial hypertension (84; 70.6 percent), ischemic heart disease (57; 47.9 percent), diabetes mellitus (31; 26.1 percent), and peripheral arterial disease (20; 16.8 percent). Surgical management predominated: exploratory laparotomy and closure (55; 46.3 percent). The most frequent complications were multiple organ failure (25; 25.7 percent) in the deceased patients. Among the necropsy findings, arteriosclerotic thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery predominated. Conclusions: Mesenteric ischemia is frequent in patients with risk factors such as age over 65 years, the female sex, the toxic habit of smoking; as well as chronic noncommunicable diseases such as arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus. The most commonly performed procedure is surgery (laparotomy and closure). In most of the performed necropsies, thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery is the main finding according to the necrology reports(AU)

Hospital-based delays to revascularization increase risk of postoperative mortality and short bowel syndrome in acute mesenteric ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a surgical emergency for which delays in treatment have been closely associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although the duration of ischemia as a determinant of outcomes for AMI is well known, the objective of this study was to identify hospital-based determinants of delayed revascularization and their effects on postoperative morbidity and mortality in AMI. METHODS: All patients who underwent any surgery for AMI from a multi-center hospital system between 2010 and 2020 were divided into two groups based on timeliness of mesenteric revascularization after presentation. Early revascularization (ER) was defined as having both vascular consultation ≤12 hours of presentation and vascular surgery performed at the patient's initial operation. Delayed revascularization (DR) was defined as having either delays to vascular consultation or vascular surgery. A retrospective review of demographic and postoperative data was performed. The effect of DR on major postoperative outcomes, including 30-day and 2-year mortality, total length of bowel resection, and development of short bowel syndrome, were analyzed. Effects of delayed vascular consultation alone, delayed vascular surgery alone, no revascularization during admission, and admitting service on outcomes were also examined on subgroup analyses. RESULTS: A total of 212 patients were analyzed. Ninety-nine patients received ER, whereas the remaining 113 patients experienced a DR after hospital presentation. Among the DR group, 55 patients (25.9%) had delayed vascular consultation, whereas vascular surgery was deferred until after the initial operation in 37 patients (17.4%). Fifty-one patients (24.0%) were never revascularized during admission. DR was a significant predictor of 30-day (odds ratio [OR], 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-4.9; P = .03) and 2-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.55, 95% CI, 1.0-2.3; P = .04). DR was also independently associated with increased bowel resection length (OR, 7.47; P < .01) and postoperative short bowel syndrome (OR, 2.4; P = .03) on multivariate analyses. When examined separately on subgroup analysis, both delayed vascular consultation (OR, 3.38; P = .03) and vascular surgery (OR, 4.31; P < .01) independently increased risk of 30-day mortality. Hospital discharge after AMI without mesenteric revascularization was associated with increased risk of short bowel syndrome (OR, 2.94; P < .01) and late mortality (hazard ratio, 1.60; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed vascular consultation and vascular surgery are both significant hospital-based determinants of postoperative mortality and short bowel syndrome in patients with AMI. Timing-based management protocols that emphasize routine evaluation by a vascular surgeon and early, definitive mesenteric revascularization should be established and widely adopted for all patients with clinically suspected AMI at presentation.

Retrograde open mesenteric stenting should be considered as the initial approach to acute mesenteric ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Retrograde open mesenteric stenting (ROMS) is an alternative to traditional bypass in patients who present with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). However, there is a paucity of data comparing outcomes of ROMS with other open surgical approaches. This study represents the largest single-institution experience with ROMS and aims to compare outcomes of ROMS with those of conventional mesenteric bypass. METHODS: All patients who presented with AMI from 2008 to 2019 and who were treated with either ROMS or mesenteric bypass were included in the study. Patient, procedure, and outcome variables were compared. Bypass and ROMS patients were compared using univariate statistics. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients who presented with AMI needing bypass were included in the study; 16 underwent mesenteric bypass, and 18 underwent ROMS. ROMS patients tended to be older than bypass patients and had higher rates of comorbidities. Bypass patients were more likely to have a history of chronic mesenteric symptoms (68.8% vs 27.8%; P = .019). Bypass procedures also took longer than ROMS procedures (302 vs 189 minutes; P < .01). The majority of ROMS procedures were not performed in a hybrid room (77.8%). Within 1 year, one stent thrombosed in a ROMS patient, requiring later mesenteric bypass. In the bypass group, one conduit thrombosed, ultimately resulting in perioperative death, and one bypass anastomosis stenosed, requiring angioplasty. Complication, unanticipated reintervention, and mortality rates were otherwise similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Complication, reintervention, and mortality rates after ROMS are similar to those of mesenteric bypass in the setting of AMI. Given similar postoperative outcomes and ability to perform these procedures in a conventional operating room but with significantly shorter operative times, ROMS should be considered a first-line option in acute situations when the operator is comfortable performing the procedure.

Isquemia mesentérica aguda: a propósito de un caso / Acute mesenteric ischemia: a purpose of a case

La isquemia mesentérica aguda (IMA) es consecuencia de la oclusión de la arteria mesentérica superior (AMS) por trombosis o embolia, y es considerada la más letal del síndrome de abdomen agudo. Se presenta el caso de paciente femenina de 69 años con clínica difusa y confirmación diagnóstica radiológica, El objetivo de este caso clínico es proporcionar una revisión bibliográfica actual del tema y facilitar la adecuada actuación ante este problema de salud de amplio compromiso sistémico, y de aparición no tan infrecuente. (AU)

Acute mesenteric ischemia (IMA) is a consequence of occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (AMS) by thrombosis or embolism; and it is considered the most lethal of acute abdomen syndrome. The case of a 69 years old female patient with diffuse clinic and radiological diagnostic confirmation is presented. The objective of this clinical case is to provide a current bibliographic review of the topic and facilitate adequate action in the face of this health problem with a broad systemic commitment, and with no appearance so infrequent. (AU)

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la isquemia mesentérica aguda por oclusión vascular / Acute mesenteric ischemia caused by vascular occlusion diagnosis and treatment

La oclusión vascular es la causa principal de la isquemia mesentérica aguda. Ambas tienen un diagnóstico complicado, elevada incidencia, letalidad, y se encuentran estrechamente relacionadas con el envejecimiento poblacional a nivel mundial. Para esta investigación, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de bases de datos como: Infomed, mediante artículos en español e inglés, y descriptores de DeCS, MeSH. Para establecer un tratamiento adecuado, se revisaron los medios diagnósticos y las opciones terapéuticas actuales de la enfermedad. La principal manifestación clínica es el dolor abdominal. Los estudios imagenológicos son los exámenes complementarios más útiles para el diagnóstico, entre ellos la angiografía y la tomografía computarizada multicorte, con contraste venoso. El tratamiento depende del estado del paciente y los recursos disponibles. La anticoagulación, trombectomía o la embolectomía endovascular o a través de una cirugía abierta, y la resección intestinal en caso de necrosis, son los más efectivos.

Vascular occlusion has become the main cause of acute mesenteric ischemia. It has a difficult diagnose and high incidence worldwide and it is closely related to population aging. Spanish and English articles were bibliographically reviewed, using DeCS and MeSH descriptors, at Infomed databases, with several therapeutic options for appropriate diagnose, and treatment. Abdominal pain is the most common clinical manifestation. Imaging studies, angiography and multislice computed tomography with venous contrast, are specific complementary tests for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment depends on patient's condition and specialists' available resources. Anticoagulation, endovascular thrombectomy or embolectomy, open surgery and intestinal resection if necrosis, are the most effective.

Neumatosis intestinal y gas porto-mesentérico: hallazgos radiológicos y significado clínico en un caso de catástrofe abdominal / Pneumatosis intestinalis and portall venus gas: radiological findings and clinical significance in a case of abdominal catastrophe

Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 56 años de edad, con dolor abdominal de cinco días de duración asociado a manifestaciones inespecíficas y sin etiología clara del dolor. Se realizaron estudios en busca del origen del dolor con los que se documentó neumatosis intestinal grave, que posteriormente se agravó a pesar del manejo medico. Debido al mal estado hemodinámico y el rápido deterioro clínico luego de la evaluación médica no pudo ser llevada a cirugía y la paciente fallece.

We report a 56-year-old woman with abdominal pain 5 days duration associated with nonspecific manifestations without etiology of pain. We conducted studies in search of the source of pain between these severe intestinal pneumatosis that progress despite medical management and could not be taken to surgery due to hemodynamic state to a rapid deterioration after medical evaluation and documented patient dies. Finally, we review this case and the most frequent finding of portomesenteric venous gas.

¿Cuándo sospechar y cómo manejar isquemia mesentérica y colitis isquémica? / When to suspect and how to manage mesenteric ischemia and ischemic colitis?

Intestinal ischemia occurs when mesenteric blood flow is insufficient for the requirements of the intestine. Acute presentation includes acute mesenteric ischemia, usually secondary to occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery, and ischemic colitis due to decreased vascular flow to vulnerable regions of the colon. It usually presents with abdominal pain and non-specific laboratory abnormalities, so it requires a high index of clinical suspicion for early diagnosis and management in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. The following review describes clinical concepts of acute intestinal ischemia, with emphasis on diagnosis and management of these patients.

La isquemia intestinal surge cuando el flujo sanguíneo del territorio mesentérico resulta insuficiente para satisfacer los requerimientos del intestino. El cuadro agudo incluye la isquemia mesentérica aguda, generalmente secundaria a oclusión de la arteria mesentérica superior, y la colitis isquémica debida a disminución del flujo vascular a regiones vulnerables del colon. Se presenta habitualmente con dolor abdominal y alteraciones de laboratorio inespecíficos, por lo que es necesario un alto índice de sospecha clínica para el diagnóstico y manejo precoz con el fin de disminuir su alta morbimortalidad. En la siguiente revisión se exponen principalmente conceptos clínicos acerca de isquemia intestinal aguda, con énfasis en el diagnóstico y manejo de estos pacientes.

Acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia: MDCT findings / Isquemia mesentérica aguda e crônica: achados tomográficos

Mesenteric ischemia is caused by a reduction in mesenteric blood flow. It can be divided into acute and chronic, based upon the rapidity and the degree to which the blood flow is compromised. The authors retrospectively reviewed 22 cases of mesenteric ischemia, diagnosed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in our service, and confirmed by surgery or clinical follow-up. The frequency of the diagnostic findings of chronic and acute mesenteric ischemia was evaluated. The improvement of three-dimensional (3D) MDCT allows accurate assessment of mesenteric vessels. Therefore, it demonstrates changes in ischemic bowel segments helpful in determining the primary cause of the disease, and can identify the complications in patients with acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia.

A isquemia mesentérica é causada pela redução do fluxo sanguíneo mesentérico. Essa patologia pode ser dividida em aguda e crônica, baseada na rapidez e no grau em que o fluxo sanguíneo está sendo comprometido. Os autores retrospectivamente revisaram 22 casos de isquemia mesentérica, diagnosticados por tomografia computadorizada com mutidetectores (TCMD) em nosso serviço, e confirmados por cirurgia ou seguimento clínico. Os achados diagnósticos de isquemia aguda e crônica e sua frequência foram avaliados. Os avanços na TCMD 3D (tridimensional) permitiram o acesso detalhado aos vasos mesentéricos. Além disso, é possível demonstrar alterações nos segmentos intestinais, auxiliando na identificação da causa primária da doença e podendo identificar as complicações associadas a isquemia mesentérica e crônica.