Abstract
Mesenteric ischemia is a result of an interruption of the blood supply to various portions of the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to secondary inflammatory changes and eventually bowel necrosis. There are three major arteries and two major veins that comprise the majority of the mesenteric circulation:the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery and vein, and inferior mesenteric artery and vein. Mesenteric ischemia is usually characterized as acute or chronic, arterial or venous, occlusive or nonocclusive, and thrombotic or embolic. Watershed zones are regions between two major arteries and are more vulnerable to nonocclusive reduction in perfusion. Although mesenteric ischemia is uncommon, its recognition is crucial, as mortality is high. Prompt use of computed tomography angiography is important to establish the diagnosis. When the diagnosis is suspected, the patient should be assessed for stability, and measures should be taken immediately to resuscitate the patient. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are the cornerstones of modern treatment. Treatment is aimed at reestablishing blood flow to the ischemic bowel. Necrotic bowel must be resected, and reassessment of bowel viability may be necessary prior to definitive anastomosis and abdominal closure. If left untreated, this process can result in life-threatening intestinal necrosis.