What predicts the outcome in patients with intestinal ischemia? A single center experience

Study of ischemic progression in different intestinal tissue layers during acute intestinal ischemia using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography

In acute intestinal ischemia, the progression of ischemia varies across different layers of intestinal tissue. We established a mouse model and used swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) to observe the intestinal ischemic process longitudinally in different tissue layers. Employing a method that combines asymmetric gradient filtering with adaptive weighting, we eliminated the vessel trailing phenomenon in OCT angiograms, reducing the confounding effects of superficial vessels on the imaging of deeper vasculature. We quantitatively assessed changes in vascular perfusion density (VPD), vessel length, and vessel average diameter across various intestinal layers. Our results showed a significant reduction in VPD in all layers during ischemia. The mucosa layer experienced the most significant impact, primarily due to disrupted capillary blood flow, followed by the submucosa layer, where vascular constriction or decreased velocity was the primary factor.

The geriatric index of comorbidity as an outcome predictor of patients with acute mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesentery artery thromboembolism

OBJECTIVE

To describe the impact of comorbidities on in-hospital mortality and overall survival in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) due to superior mesentery artery (SMA) thromboembolism.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted for 40 patients with AMI due to SMA thromboembolism who were treated in our hospital between February 2013 and December 2019. The presence of comorbidities was described and their severities were classified into 1-4 levels by Geriatric Index of Comorbidity (GIC), the comorbidities were defined as any distinct additional clinical entity that has existed. Univariate and cox proportional-hazards analyses were performed to determine the effect of comorbidities on in-hospital mortality and overall survival.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 15.05 ± 18.02 months (range from 0.3 to 58 months) for the 40 patients with AMI due to SMA thromboembolism, In-hospital mortality rate was 52.5% (21/40). One-year, 2-year, and 3-year overall estimated survival rates by the Kaplan-Meier method were 45%, 34%, and 26.5%, respectively, the average overall survival time was 20.84 ± 3.95 (95% CI: 13.10-28.58) months. In-hospital mortality was significantly related to the GIC classification (χ2 = 7.86, p = 0.049). The average overall survival was significantly related to the malignant tumor in pre-existing comorbidities and GIC classification (log-rank, p = 0.001). Cox proportional-hazards regressions analysis showed that the class 4 of comorbidities was an independent prognostic factor of mortality (p = 0.031, HR = 10.45 [95% CI: 1.24-87.70]).

CONCLUSION

Comorbidity is common and an important factor associated with all-cause mortality in AMI patients due to SMA thromboembolism. In managing AMI patients, we recommend a timely diagnosis of both AMI condition and its associated comorbidities.

Association of COVID 19 pneumonitis and acute mesenteric ischemia

Key Clinical Message

D. dimer could be useful as an indicator in diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia in COVID patients. A two staged damage control emergency laparotomy is of good benefits in such patients.

Abstract

Bowel ischemia in COVID 19 patients is extremely rare condition results from migrating thrombus formed by a hypercoagulable inflammatory state that is frequently associated COVID 19 infection. A two staged damage control emergency laparotomy is of good benefits in general especially in those with active COVID 19 infection.

Potential for intestinal transplantation after acute mesenteric ischemia in patients aged less than 70 years: A population-based study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) has a high mortality rate due to the development of bowel necrosis. Patients are often ruled outside active care if a large proportion of small bowel is necrotic. With the development of treatment for short bowel syndrome (SBS) and intestinal transplantation methods, long-term survival is possible even after extensive small bowel resections. This study aims to assess the incidence of SBS and potentially suitable candidates for intestinal transplantation among patients treated for AMI.

METHODS

This population-based retrospective study comprised patients aged less than 70 years and diagnosed with AMI between January 2006 and October 2020 in Helsinki and Uusimaa health care district, Finland.

RESULTS

Altogether, AMI was diagnosed in 711 patients, of whom 133 (19%) were aged below 70. An intervention was performed in 110 (83%) patients. Of these 133 patients, 16 (12%) were ruled outside active treatment due to extensive small bowel necrosis at exploratory laparotomy, of whom 6 (5%) were potentially suitable for intestinal transplantation. Two patients were considered as potential candidates for intestinal transplantation at bowel resection but died of AMI. Nine (7%) patients needed parenteral nutrition after resection, and two of them (2%) developed SBS. Only one patient needed long-term parenteral nutrition after hospital discharge. This patient remained dependent on parenteral nutrition but died before evaluation of intestinal transplantation could be carried out while the other patient was able to return to enteral nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

A small number of patients with AMI below 70 years of age are potentially eligible for intestinal transplantation.

Treatment of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: Individual Challenges for Interventional Radiologists and Abdominal Surgeons

Background: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition resulting from occlusion of the mesenteric arterial vessels. AMI requires immediate treatment with revascularization of the occluded vessels. Purpose: to evaluate the technical success, clinical outcomes and survival of patients receiving endovascular treatment for AMI followed by surgery. Material and Methods: A search of our institution’s database for AMI revealed 149 potential patients between 08/2016 and 08/2021, of which 91 were excluded due to incomplete clinical data, insufficient imaging or missing follow-up laparoscopy. The final cohort included 58 consecutive patients [(median age 73.5 years [range: 43−96 years], 55% female), median BMI 26.2 kg/m2 (range:16.0−39.2 kg/m2)]. Periinterventional imaging regarding the cause of AMI (acute-embolic or acute-on-chronic) was evaluated by two radiologists in consensus. The extent of AMI and the degree of technical success was graded according to a modified TICI (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale) score (TICI-AMI) classification (0: no perfusion; 1: minimal; 2a < 50% filling; 2b > 50%; 2c: near complete or slow; 3: complete). Lab data and clinical data were collected, including the results of follow-up laparoscopy. Non-parametric statistics were used. Results: All interventions were considered technically successful. The most common causes of AMI were emboli (51.7%) and acute-on-chronic thrombotic occlusions (37.9%). Initial imaging showed a TICI-AMI score of 0, 1 or 2a in 87.9% (n = 51) of patients. Post-therapeutic TICI-AMI scores improved significantly with 87.9% of patients grade 2b and better. Median lactate levels reduced from 2.7 (IQR 2.0−3.7) mg/dL (1−18) to 1.45 (IQR 0.99−1.90). Intestinal ischemia was documented in 79.1% of cases with resection of the infarcted intestinal loops. In total, 22/58 (37.9%) patients died during the first 30 days after intervention and surgery. According to CIRSE criteria, we did not observe any SAE scores of grade 2 or higher. Conclusions: AMI is a serious disease with high lethality within the first 30 days despite optimal treatment. However, interventional revascularization before surgery with resection of the infarcted bowel can save two out of three of critically ill patients.

Incidence and outcomes of acute mesenteric ischaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI), proportions of its different forms and short-term and long-term mortality.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library were searched until 26 July 2022.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies reporting data on the incidence and outcomes of AMI in adult populations.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data extraction and quality assessment with modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale were performed using predeveloped standard forms. The outcomes were the incidence of AMI and its different forms in the general population and in patients admitted to hospital, and the mortality of AMI in its different forms.

RESULTS

From 3064 records, 335 full texts were reviewed and 163 included in the quantitative analysis. The mean incidence of AMI was 6.2 (95% CI 1.9 to 12.9) per 100 000 person years. On average 5.0 (95% CI 3.3 to 7.1) of 10 000 hospital admissions were due to AMI. Occlusive arterial AMI was the most common form constituting 68.6% (95% CI 63.7 to 73.2) of all AMI cases, with similar proportions of embolism and thrombosis.Overall short-term mortality (in-hospital or within 30 days) of AMI was 59.6% (95% CI 55.5 to 63.6), being 68.7% (95% CI 60.8 to 74.9) in patients treated before the year 2000 and 55.0% (95% CI 45.5 to 64.1) in patients treated from 2000 onwards (p<0.05). The mid/long-term mortality of AMI was 68.2% (95% CI 60.7 to 74.9). Mortality due to mesenteric venous thrombosis was 24.6% (95% CI 17.0 to 32.9) and of non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia 58.4% (95% CI 48.6 to 67.7). The short-term mortality of revascularised occlusive arterial AMI was 33.9% (95% CI 30.7 to 37.4).

CONCLUSIONS

In adult patients, AMI is a rarely diagnosed condition with high mortality, although with improvement of treatment results over the last decades. Two thirds of AMI cases are of occlusive arterial origin with potential for better survival if revascularised.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021247148.

Mortality Prediction Model before Surgery for Acute Mesenteric Infarction: A Population-Based Study

Surgery for acute mesenteric infarction (AMI) is associated with high mortality. This study aimed to generate a mortality prediction model to predict the 30-day mortality of surgery for AMI. We included patients ≥18 years who received bowel resection in treating AMI and randomly divided into the derivation and validation groups. After multivariable analysis, the ‘Surgery for acute mesenteric infarction mortality score’ (SAMIMS) system was generated and was including age >62-year-old (3 points), hemodialysis (2 points), congestive heart failure (1 point), peptic ulcer disease (1 point), diabetes (1 point), cerebrovascular disease (1 point), and severe liver disease (4 points). The 30-day-mortality rates in the derivation group were 4.4%, 13.4%, 24.5%, and 32.5% among very low (0 point), low (1−3 point(s)), intermediate (4−6 points), and high (7−13 points)-risk patients. Compared to the very-low-risk group, the low-risk (OR = 3.332), intermediate-risk (OR = 7.004), and high-risk groups (OR = 10.410, p < 0.001) exhibited higher odds of 30-day mortality. We identified similar results in the validation group. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.677 and 0.696 in the derivation and validation groups. Our prediction model, SAMIMS, allowed for the stratification of the patients’ 30-day-mortality risk of surgery for acute mesenteric infarction.

Preoperative findings on non-specific CT in patients with primary acute intestinal ischemia: a case-control study

PURPOSE

Primary acute intestinal ischaemia (AII) is an abdominal catastrophe caused by intravascular obstruction of blood supply. It is difficult to diagnose. Computerized tomography (CT) scan is the modality of choice for diagnostic evaluation. Majority of previous studies have evaluated CT findings in patients where AII was suspected. However, unveiling the unique radiological findings also in not initially suspected AII patients, might lead to the timely management of AII patients, and is the aim of this study.

METHODS

In a single-center, retrospective case-control study, preoperative radiological findings from abdominal CT scans in 48 patients with primary AII were compared with 80 non-ischemic controls. Radiological findings were analyzed using multivariable logistical regression with adjustment for age and gender and reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p values.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine (81%) cases with AII were referred to an abdominal CT scan without a specific clinical suspicion of AII. Three main radiological categories (intestinal wall pathology [OR 7.4, CI 2.3-24.0, p value < 0.001], gastrointestinal vessel pathology [OR 19.3, CI 4.6-80.5, p value < 0.001) and intestinal diameter [OR 4.7, CI 1.6-13.4, p value 0.004]) were significantly different in AII patients. Subgroup analysis implied that pneumatosis intestinalis, increased contrast enhancement in the bowel wall, inferior mesenteric artery arteriosclerosis and colonic contraction were predictors of AII.

CONCLUSION

Radiological changes within the intestinal wall, luminal diameter and gastrointestinal vessels are independent predictors of AII. Awareness of these radiological findings, therefore, plays a central role in patients with an indistinct clinical picture in early recognition and treatment of a life-threatening AII.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04361110 (April 24, 2020), retrospectively registered.

Prognostic Factors for Mortality in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Postoperative mortality in patients undergoing surgical and/or interventional treatment for acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) has remained an unsolved problem in recent decades. Here, we investigated clinical predictors of postoperative mortality in a large European cohort of patients undergoing treatment for AMI. In total, 179 patients who underwent surgical and/or interventional treatment for AMI between 2009 and 2021 at our institution were included in this analysis. Associations between postoperative mortality and various clinical variables were assessed using univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Most of the patients were diagnosed with arterial ischemia (AI; n = 104), while venous ischemia (VI; n = 21) and non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI; n = 54) were present in a subset of patients. Overall inhouse mortality was 55.9% (100/179). Multivariable analyses identified leukocytes (HR = 1.08; p = 0.008), lactate (HR = 1.25; p = 0.01), bilirubin (HR = 2.05; p = 0.045), creatinine (HR = 1.48; p = 0.039), etiology (AI, VI or NOMI; p = 0.038) and portomesenteric vein gas (PMVG; HR = 23.02; p = 0.012) as independent predictors of postoperative mortality. In a subanalysis excluding patients with fatal prognosis at the first surgical exploration (n = 24), leukocytes (HR = 1.09; p = 0.004), lactate (HR = 1.27; p = 0.003), etiology (AI, VI or NOMI; p = 0.006), PMVG (HR = 17.02; p = 0.018) and intraoperative FFP transfusion (HR = 4.4; p = 0.025) were determined as independent predictors of postoperative mortality. Further, the risk of fatal outcome changed disproportionally with increased preoperative lactate values. The clinical outcome of patients with AMI was determined using a combination of pre- and intraoperative clinical and radiological characteristics. Serum lactate appears to be of major clinical importance as the risk of fatal outcome increases significantly with higher lactate values.

Role of clinical data and multidetector computed tomography findings in acute superior mesenteric artery embolism

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric artery embolism (SMAE) has acute onset and fast progression, which seriously threatens the life of patients. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is one of the most important diagnostic methods for SMAE, which plays an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of SMAE.

AIM

To evaluate the value of combined clinical data and MDCT findings in the diagnosis of acute SMAE and predict the risk factors for SMAE-related death.

METHODS

Data from 53 SMAE patients who received abdominal MDCT multi-phase enhancement and superior mesenteric artery digital subtraction angiography examinations were collected. Univariate cox regression and multivariate cox model were used to analyze the correlation between death risk and clinical and computed tomography features in SMAE patients.

RESULTS

Univariate Cox regression model showed that intestinal wall thinning, intestinal wall pneumatosis, blood lactate > 2.1 mmol/L and blood pH < 7.35 increased the risk of death in patients with SMAE. After adjusting for age, sex, embolic involvement length and embolic distribution region, multivariate Cox regression model I showed that blood lactate > 2.1 mmol/L (HR = 5.26, 95%CI: 1.04-26.69, P = 0.045) and intestinal wall thinning (HR = 9.40, 95%CI: 1.05-83.46, P = 0.044) were significantly increases the risk of death in patients with SMAE.

CONCLUSION

For patients with SAME, increased blood lactate and intestinal wall thinning are the risk factors for death; hence, close monitoring may reduce the mortality rate. Clinical observation combined with MDCT signs can significantly improve SMAE diagnosis.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with acute mesenteric ischemia: a retrospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is an uncommon, but life-threatening clinical entity due to late diagnosis resulting in irreversible ischemic bowel necrosis. The most common causes of AMI are the embolic occlusion and the acute thrombosis of the mesenteric circulation. Typical treatment is composed of an early revascularization of the mesenteric circulation followed by abdominal surgery for resection of nonviable intestine and restoration of the intestinal continuity, but the mortality rates remain high.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted, aiming to evaluate clinical characteristics, performed surgical procedures and outcomes of patients with acute mesenteric ischemia who underwent emergency abdominal surgery at a high volume surgical center in Germany.

RESULTS

Overall, 53 patients were identified with the intraoperatively proven diagnosis of AMI. Overall hospital mortality was with 62% comparable to the literature. Nineteen patients presented with an intraoperatively verified complete and non-reversible intestinal infarction without any angiographic or surgical option for a revascularization of the mesenteric circulation or an option for intestinal resection. From the rest of the patients, 14 underwent intestinal resection of the ischemic area without restoration of intestinal continuity; the other 20 underwent resection with a primary anastomosis to restore intestinal continuity. The mortality rate of these patients with curative-intended surgery remained high (41% of patients died). Pre- and postoperative hyperlactatemia were associated with lower survival of these patients.

CONCLUSION

AMI remains a life-threatening abdominal emergency. Therapeutic approaches are highly depended on acting surgeon's decision, being affected by subjectively rated bowel viability and physical condition of the affected patient. Only selected patients with good bowel viability appear to be suitable for receiving primary anastomosis. The results clearly indicate the need for further research to develop therapeutic approaches for a better management of AMI and to improve outcome of affected patients.

Endovascular Revascularization with Stent Implantation in Patients with Acute Mesenteric Ischemia due to Acute Arterial Thrombosis: Clinical Outcome and Predictive Factors

Purpose

To determine 30-day-mortality rates and identify predictors for survival in patients undergoing endovascular revascularization for acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) due to occlusion of the celiac (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) from arterial thrombosis in the setting of atherosclerosis at the vessel origin.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis on patients who underwent acute endovascular revascularization to treat AMI caused by thrombotic occlusion of the CA and/or SMA between January 2011 and December 2019 was conducted. 30-day-mortality rates were calculated. Univariate binomial logistic regression analyses (p < 0.05) were performed to assess whether the following factors were associated with 30-day mortality: sex, age, history of smoking, history of abdominal angina, signs of bowel necrosis on pre-interventional CT, one- vs. two-vessel disease, patency of the inferior mesenteric artery, outpatient or inpatient occurrence of ischemia, onset of AMI during ITU stay, elevated pre-interventional serum lactate levels, total leukocyte count, platelet/lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio.

Results

40 patients were included in this analysis. 30-day-mortality rate was 25/40 (62.5%). Median overall survival of patients who survived the first 30 days was 36 ± 18 months. None of the analyzed factors was statistically significantly associated with 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

Although mortality of patients with AMI due to acute arterial thrombosis remains high, almost 40% of patient who underwent emergent endovascular revascularization survived longer than one month. Since no predictors for the outcome in these patients were identified, all patients with AMI should be offered an immediate revascularization effort.

Risk factors of geriatrics index of comorbidity and MDCT findings for predicting mortality in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesenteric artery thromboembolism

OBJECTIVES

To identify risk factors of geriatrics index of comorbidity (GIC) and multidetector CT (MDCT) findings for predicting mortality in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) due to superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thromboembolism.

METHODS

33 patients with AMI due to SMA thromboembolism underwent abdominal MDCT and angiography. Patients' comorbidities and MDCT findings of ischemic bowel/mesenteric injuries, regions of SMA involved by thromboembolism, and degrees of SMA stenosis were retrospectively reviewed. The comorbidities were classified into 1-4 levels according to GIC. The association of MDCT signs and GIC classification with mortality were analyzed. Diagnostic performances of risk factors associated with mortality were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (54.5%) died during hospitalization or follow-up, including one patient with class 1, two patients with class 2, eight patients with class 3, and seven patients with class 4 according to GIC. Three risk factors significantly associated with mortality were identified, including pneumatosis and/or portomesenteric venous gas (PPMVG) (p = 0.017), four regions of SMA involved by thromboembolism (region I + II + III + IV) (p = 0.036), and class 3 + 4 of comorbidities (p = 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of PPMVG, region I + II + III + IV, class 3 + 4 of comorbidities, and the three risk factors combined for diagnosing mortality were 33.3 and 100%, 27.8 and 100%, 83.3 and 73.3%, and 88.9 and 73.3%, respectively. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of the three risk factors combined (0.88) and class 3 + 4 of comorbidities (0.78) were larger than that of PPMVG (0.67) and region I + II + III + IV (0.64). The mortality rate rose from 15.4% in patients without risk factor to 66.7%, 100%, and 100% in patients with one, two, and three factors, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Three risk factors for mortality were identified in patients with AMI due to SMA thromboembolism, including PPMVG and four regions of SMA involved by thromboembolism on MDCT images, and class 3 + 4 of comorbidities. Close monitoring of these risk factors could possibly lower the mortality.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Risk factors based on GIC and MDCT findings may be used to predict mortality in patients with AMI. Close monitoring of these risk factors could possibly lower the mortality.

Clinical Features and Factors Affecting Postoperative Mortality for Obstructive Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in China: A Hospital- Based Survey

Purpose

The study aimed to report the clinical manifestation and identify the risk factors for postoperative mortality in patients who were diagnosed with obstructive acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) based on a survey of a hospital in western China.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed clinical data of 108 patients with obstructive AMI at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from 2011 to 2017. Clinical characteristic was described and compared. Factors affecting postoperative survival were analyzed.

Results

A total of 108 obstructive AMI cases were included in this study, with an overall average age of 57.1 years, including 58 arterial occlusive mesenteric ischemia (AOMI) and 50 mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT). AOMI patients were older and had a significantly higher frequency of these comorbidities, including heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. In comparison, MVT had a significantly higher proportion of male patients and a higher frequency of liver disease. A total of 77 patients underwent laparotomy, and the 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 29.9%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the time interval from admission to surgery (adjust OR 1.19; 95% CI [1.07–1.34], P = 0.005), platelet count (adjust OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99], P = 0.008) and AOMI (adjust OR = 5.55; 95% CI [1.36–22.55], P = 0.017) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality after exploratory laparotomy for obstructive AMI. Further analysis of the 45 AOMI showed that the time interval from admission to surgery (adjustOR 1.22; 95% CI [1.01–1.47], P = 0.036) and platelet count (adjustOR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99], P = 0.020) were independent risk factors for 30-day postoperative mortality of AOMI.

Conclusion

Early identification of AOMI, improving the efficiency of enhanced CT examination, strengthening doctor–patient communication, active laparotomy, and optimize platelet management may also help reduce the overall short-term mortality of obstructive AMI. Building the multidisciplinary team model of diagnostic imaging, vascular intervention, and surgical treatment to manage obstructive AMI may be urgently needed in western China.

Preoperative Risk Factors for Short-Term Postoperative Mortality of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia after Laparotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

Our objective was to comprehensively present the evidence of preoperative risk factors for short-term postoperative mortality of acute mesenteric ischemia after laparotomy.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched from January 2000 to January 2020. Studies evaluating the postoperative risk factors for short-term postoperative mortality of acute mesenteric ischemia after laparotomy were included. The outcome extracted were patients' demographics, medical history, and preoperative laboratory tests.

Results

Twenty studies (5011 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Studies were of high quality, with a median Newcastle-Ottawa Scale Score of 7. Summary short-term postoperative mortality was 44.38% (range, 18.80%–67.80%). Across included studies, 49 potential risk factors were examined, at least two studies. Meta-analysis of predictors based on more than three studies identified the following preoperative risk factors for higher short-term postoperative mortality risk: old age (odds ratio [OR], 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57–2.30), arterial occlusive mesenteric ischemia versus mesenteric venous thrombosis (OR, 2.45, 95% CI 1.12–5.33), heart failure (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.03–1.72), renal disorders (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.24–2.07), and peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.00–1.91). Nonsurvivors were older (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.32, 95% CI 0.24–0.40), had higher creatinine levels (SMD 0.50, 95% CI 0.25–0.75), and had lower platelet counts (SMD −0.32, 95% CI −0.50 to −0.14).

Conclusion

The short-term postoperative mortality of acute mesenteric ischemia who underwent laparotomy is still high. A better understanding of these risk factors may help in the early identification of high-risk patients, optimization of surgical procedure, and improvement of perioperative management.

Vascular Calcifications are Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients with Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Vascular calcifications have been identified as predictors of mortality in several cardiovascular diseases but have not been investigated in context of acute mesenteric ischemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of vascular calcifications in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia.

METHODS

Patients admitted for an acute mesenteric ischemia were retrospectively included. The presence of calcifications in the visceral aorta, the celiac trunk, the superior mesenteric artery, and the renal arteries was assessed on computed tomography scan images at the arterial phase. The calcification volumes were measured using the software Aquarius iNtuition Edition®.

RESULTS

The all-cause mortality was 55 out of 86 patients (63.9%) for a median follow-up of 3.5 days (1-243). The survival rate of patients with calcification in the superior mesenteric artery was significantly lower than that of those without calcification (22% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.019). Patients who died had significantly a higher frequency of calcifications in the superior mesenteric artery, the visceral aorta, the celiac trunk, and the renal arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of vascular calcifications in the superior mesenteric artery is associated with increased mortality in patients diagnosed with acute mesenteric ischemia. Further studies are required to identify the mechanisms underlying this association.