Multidisciplinary stepwise management strategy for acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis: an intestinal stroke center experience. Thromb Res. 2015;135:36-45. [PMID: 25466834 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2014.10.018]

Acute mesenteric ischemia: A case report

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a rare life-threatening diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. Lack of clinical and biological specificity makes the diagnosis difficult. Imaging, particularly computed tomography can help confirm the diagnosis. An underlying cause is identified in about 30%-70% of cases and should always be sought. We report a case of a 51-year-old man with chronic alcoholic liver disease admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed mesenteric venous thrombosis with signs of small bowel ischemia and cirrhosis with portal hypertension. Through this observation, we describe the imaging aspects of mesenteric ischemia and emphasize the necessity of seeking underlying pathological condition.

Hypercoagulability status, operative mortality, and long-term survival in patients operated on for mesenteric venous thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is a rare cause of acute surgical abdomen, with high mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term outcomes and possible factors influencing its prognosis.

METHODS

All patients who underwent urgent surgery for MVT from 1990 to 2020 in our center were reviewed. Epidemiological, clinical, and surgical data; postoperative outcomes; origin of thrombosis; and long-term survival were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: primary MVT (hypercoagulability disorders or idiopathic MVT) and secondary MVT (underlying disease).

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients, 36 (65.5%) men and 19 (34.5%) women, mean age 66.7 years (standard deviation: ±18.0 years), underwent surgery for MVT. Arterial hypertension (63.6%) was the most prevalent comorbidity. Regarding the possible origin of MVT, 41 (74.5%) patients had primary MVT and 14 (25.5%) patients had secondary MVT. From these, 11 (20%) patients had hypercoagulable states, 7 (12.7%) had neoplasia, 4 (7.3%) had abdominal infection, 3 (5.5%) had liver cirrhosis, 1 (1.8%) patient had recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism, and 1 (1.8%) had deep venous thrombosis. Computed tomography was diagnostic of MVT in 87.9% of the cases. Intestinal resection was performed in 45 patients due to ischemia. Only 6 patients (10.9%) had no complication, 17 patients (30.9%) presented minor complications, and 32 patients (58.2%) presented severe complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Operative mortality was 23.6%. In univariate analysis, comorbidity measured by the Charlson index (P = .019) and massive ischemia (P = .002) were related to operative mortality. The probability of being alive at 1, 3, and 5 years was 66.4%, 57.9%, and 51.0%, respectively. In univariate analysis of survival, age (P < .001), comorbidity (P < .001), and type of MVT (P = .003) were associated with a good prognosis. Age (P = .002; hazard ratio: 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.09) and comorbidity (P = .019; hazard ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.57) behaved as independent prognostic factors for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical MVT continues to show high lethality. Age and comorbidity according to the Charlson index correlate well with mortality risk. Primary MVT tends to have a better prognosis than secondary MVT.

Improving clinical suspicion of acute mesenteric ischemia among patients with acute abdomen: a cross-sectional study from an intestinal stroke center

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is essential for a favorable outcome. Selection of patients requiring a dedicated multiphasic computed tomography (CT) scan remains a clinical challenge.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional diagnostic study conducted from 2016 to 2018, we compared the presentation of AMI patients admitted to an intestinal stroke center to patients with acute abdominal pain of another origin admitted to the emergency room (controls).

RESULTS

We included 137 patients-52 with AMI and 85 controls. Patients with AMI [median age: 65 years (interquartile range 55-74)] had arterial and venous AMI in 65% and 35% of cases, respectively. Relative to controls, AMI patients were significantly older, more likely to have risk factors or a history of cardiovascular disease, and more likely to present with sudden-onset and morphine-requiring abdominal pain, hematochezia, guarding, organ dysfunction, higher white blood cell and neutrophil counts, and higher plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin concentrations. On multivariate analysis, two independent factors were associated with the diagnosis of AMI: the sudden-onset (OR = 20, 95%CI 7-60, p < 0.001) and the morphine-requiring nature of the acute abdominal pain (OR = 6, 95%CI 2-16, p = 0.002). Sudden-onset and/or morphine-requiring abdominal pain was present in 88% of AMI patients versus 28% in controls (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of AMI was 0.84 (95%CI 0.77-0.91), depending on the number of factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Sudden onset and the need for morphine are suggestive of AMI in patients with acute abdominal pain and should prompt multiphasic CT scan including arterial and venous phase images for confirmation.

Antibiotic use in acute mesenteric ischemia: a review of the evidence and call to action

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate. The standard practice after making the diagnosis includes aggressive resuscitation, anticoagulation, followed by revascularization and resection of necrotic bowel. The role of empiric antibiotics in the management of AMI is not well defined in the literature. This review article aims to examine our current understanding on this matter, based on bench research and clinical studies. It is demonstrated in animal study model that the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury damages intestinal epithelium, and subsequently lead to barrier dysfunction, a condition that can support bacterial translocation through a complex interplay between the intestinal epithelium, the intestinal immune system and the intestine's endogenous bacterial population. Based on this mechanism, it is possible that the use of antibiotics may help mitigate the consequences of I/R injury, which is examined in few animal studies. In clinical practice, many guidelines support the use of prophylactic antibiotics, based on a meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) demonstrating the benefit of antibiotics in multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. However, there is no direct reference to AMI in this meta-analysis. Most clinical studies that focus on AMI and mentions the use of antibiotics are retrospective and single institution, and very few comments on the role of antibiotics in their discussions. We conclude that there is limited evidence in literature to support the use of prophylactic antibiotic in AMI to improve outcome. More clinical studies with high level of evidence and basic science research are needed to improve our understanding on this topic and ultimately help build a better clinical pathway for patients with AMI.

Mesenteric venous thrombosis

Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is a rare condition that can present acutely, subacutely, or chronically. MVT can be isolated or within a splanchnic thrombosis (spleno-porto-mesenteric). Symptomatic cases usually present as nonspecific abdominal pain, with or without signs of intestinal ischemia, and the diagnosis is usually made by imaging test (abdominal CT or MRI) in patients with high clinical suspicion. An early clinical-surgical approach is recommended to screen those patients with warning signs and who benefit from an exploratory laparotomy in addition to anticoagulant treatment, which is the cornerstone of medical treatment. MVT is usually associated with prothrombotic states, with hematological disorders (myeloproliferative syndromes and/or JAK2 gene mutations) being of special clinical relevance. On the other hand, the 5-year survival rate is 70-82% and early overall 30-day mortality from MVT can reach 20-32%.

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.

Efficacy of endovascular treatment for completely occlusive acute-subacute portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis with severe complications in patients without cirrhosis

PURPOSE

Completely occlusive acute-subacute portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis (PVMVT) with severe complications is fatal. Endovascular treatments (EVTs) of acute-subacute PVMVT are not standardized. Thrombectomy combined with continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis is considered an effective treatment. Here, we aimed to evaluate the outcome of EVTs of completely occlusive acute-subacute PVMVT with severe complications in patients without cirrhosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nineteen patients (nine men and 10 women; age, 60.1 ± 16.8 years) with completely occlusive acute-subacute PVMVT were retrospectively assessed. Acute-subacute PVMVT was defined as symptom onset within 40 days, with no cavernous transformation observed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The patients were treated with EVTs, a combination of thrombectomy (including aspiration thrombectomy, plain old balloon angioplasty, single injection of thrombolytic agents, and stent placement) and continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to assess all-cause mortality, acute-subacute PVMVT-related mortality, and portal vein (PV) patency. The degree of recanalization and patency of PV, complications, factors related to acute-subacute PVMVT-related mortality, and factors related to patency of PV were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The all-cause and acute-subacute PVMVT-related mortality rates were 36.8% (7/19) and 31.6% (6/19), respectively. Seven (36.8%) and 11 (57.9%) patients achieved complete and partial recanalization, respectively. Among the 18 patients who achieved recanalization, follow-up images after 608.7 ± 889.5 days confirmed recanalization in 83.3% (15/18) patients, and 53.3% (8/15) of these patients achieved patency of PV. Seven patients (36.8%) developed complications, and two (10.5%) required interventional treatment for complications. Deterioration of liver function significantly worsened the prognosis (P = 0.046), while anticoagulation therapy significantly maintained portal patency (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

This endovascular method for acute-subacute PVMVT, which combines thrombectomy and continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis EVT approach was effective for thrombus resolution. However, further studies must define conditions that improve patient prognosis.

Basic demographic characteristics and prevalence of comorbidities in acute mesenteric ischemia: a systematic review and proportional meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine and assess the basic demographic characteristics and prevalence of comorbidities in acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) and its various subtypes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted by using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar (to June 1, 2022). Random-effects or fixed-effects models were selected to pool means and proportions and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), based on heterogeneity between studies. The results of meta-analyses for basic demographic characteristics and prevalence (proportions) of each specific comorbidities of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) and its various subtypes were described.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 17,103 patients with AMI. Furthermore, 7941 patients with subclass diagnoses of AMI were identified, including 3,239 patients with arterial occlusive mesenteric ischemia (AOMI), 2,977 patients with nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI), and 1,725 patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT). As a surgical emergency, AMI is associated with older patients and a high likelihood of multisystem comorbidities. Comorbidities of AMI involved multiple systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, endocrine and metabolic diseases, kidney diseases, digestive diseases, respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, vascular diseases, and cancer.

CONCLUSION

The basic demographic characteristics and the prevalence of comorbidities of different subtypes of AMI are different. The management of comorbidities should be an essential part of improving the prognosis of AMI patients and may contribute to precise prevention of AMI.

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.

Acute mesenteric ischemia: updated guidelines of the World Society of Emergency Surgery

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a group of diseases characterized by an interruption of the blood supply to varying portions of the intestine, leading to ischemia and secondary inflammatory changes. If untreated, this process may progress to life-threatening intestinal necrosis. The incidence is low, estimated at 0.09-0.2% of all acute surgical admissions, but increases with age. Although the entity is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain, diligence is required because if untreated, mortality remains in the range of 50%. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are the cornerstones of modern treatment to reduce the high mortality associated with this entity. The advent of endovascular approaches in parallel with modern imaging techniques is evolving and provides new treatment options. Lastly, a focused multidisciplinary approach based on early diagnosis and individualized treatment is essential. Thus, we believe that updated guidelines from World Society of Emergency Surgery are warranted, in order to provide the most recent and practical recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of AMI.

Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis: Endovascular management and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (SMVT) is a rare but fatal condition that is typically treated initially with anticoagulation therapy, and if this fails, with endovascular interventions. However, due to its rarity, there are not many studies that have explored the effectiveness of anticoagulation and endovascular therapies in treating SMVT.

AIM

To evaluate patients diagnosed with SMVT who received endovascular therapy in addition to anticoagulation and report technical and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent endovascular treatment for SMVT at Mayo Clinic from 2000-2019 was performed. Technical success was defined as angiographic improvement in SMV flow after intervention. Primary patency was defined as the interval from reestablishing mesenteric venous flow until the first repeat thrombotic event or need for additional intervention. Secondary patency was defined as successful restoration of flow after repeat intervention until rethrombosis or last follow-up. The adverse events were reported through Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were included for analysis. The median age at intervention was 60 years (35-74 years) and 16 (67%) were men. Nineteen patients presented with acute thrombosis (79.2%) and 5 with chronic thrombosis with acute manifestations (20.8%). The most commonly used endovascular modalities were thrombectomy in 12 patients (50.0%) and catheter-directed thrombolysis in 10 patients (41.7%). Technical success was achieved in 18 patients (75%). The 14-d and 30-d primary patency rates were 88.9% and 83.3%, respectively. Adverse events were reported in two patients (8.3%), one marked as grade IIIB, and 1 death marked as grade V. Five-year overall survival rate was 82% (58%-100%).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular intervention with anticoagulation appears to be effective for managing SMVT. This treatment combination may be considered as first-line therapy for SMVT management in select patients.

The implementation of a pathway and care bundle for the management of acute occlusive arterial mesenteric ischemia reduced mortality

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a disease with high mortality and requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. A pathway and care bundle were developed and implemented with the objective to reduce mortality. The aim of this retrospective comparative study was to analyze the effects of the pathway on patient management and outcome.

METHODS

All consecutive patients operated in a secondary and tertiary referral center because of occlusive arterial AMI were identified between 2014 and April 2020. The pathway aimed to increase overall awareness, and hasten and improve diagnostics and management. Patients treated before implementation of the pathway (pregroup, years 2014-2017) were compared with patients treated using the pathway (postgroup, May 2018 to April 2020). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the groups.

RESULTS

There were 78 patients in the pregroup and 67 patients in the postgroup with comparable baseline characteristics and disease acuity. The postgroup was more often diagnosed with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (58 [74%] vs. 63 [94%], p = 0.001) and had shorter mean in-hospital delay to operating room (7 hours [interquartile range, 3.5-12.5] vs. 3 hours [interquartile range, 2-11], p = 0.023). Revascularization was done more often in the postgroup (53 [68%] vs. 56 [84%], p = 0.030) especially using endovascular treatment (26 [33%] vs. 43 [64%], p < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was lower in the postgroup (23 [51%] vs. 17 [25%], p = 0.001). Being managed in the postgroup remained as a protective factor (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.75; p = 0.008) for 30-day mortality in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Implementing a pathway and care bundle resulted in enhanced regional and in-hospital awareness of AMI, more appropriate computed tomography imaging, shorter in-hospital delays, increased number of revascularizations, and, hence, lower mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management, level IV.

A rapid preliminary prediction model for intestinal necrosis in acute mesenteric ischemia: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition. However, there is no accurate method to predict intestinal necrosis in AMI patients that may facilitate early surgical intervention. This study thus aimed to explore a simple and accurate model to predict intestinal necrosis in patients with AMI.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was performed on the data of 132 AMI patients treated between October 2011 and June 2020. The patients were divided into the intestinal necrosis and non-intestinal necrosis groups. The clinical characteristics and laboratory data were analyzed by univariate analysis, and the variables with statistical significance were further analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The independent predictors of intestinal necrosis were determined and a logistic prediction model was established. Finally, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model in predicting intestinal necrosis were evaluated.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that white blood cell (WBC) count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, neutrophil ratio, prothrombin time (PT), and LnD-dimer were associated with intestinal necrosis. According to logistic regression multivariate analysis, WBC count, BUN level and LnD-dimer were independent predictors of intestinal necrosis. These parameters were used to establish a clinical prediction model of intestinal necrosis (CPMIN) as follows: model score = 0.349 × BUN (mmol/L) + 0.109 × WBC × 109 (109/L) + 0.394 × LnD - Dimer (ug/L) - 7.883. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of the model was 0.889 (95% confidence interval: 0.833-0.944). Model scores greater than - 0.1992 predicted the onset of intestinal necrosis. The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of the model were 82.6%, 78.2%, and 88.3%, respectively. The proportion of intestinal necrosis in the high-risk patient group (CPMIN score ≥ - 0.1992) was much greater than that in the low-risk patient group (CPMIN score < - 0.1992; 82.7% vs. 15.0%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The CPMIN can effectively predict intestinal necrosis and guide early surgical intervention to improve patient prognosis. Patients with AMI who are classified as high-risk should be promptly treated with surgery to avoid the potential complications caused by delayed operation. Patients classified as low-risk group can receive non-surgical treatment. This model may help to lower the morbidity and mortality from AMI. However, this model's accuracy should be validated by larger sample size studies in the future.

A Comprehensive Way to Access Hospital Death Prediction Model for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: A Combination of Traditional Statistics and Machine Learning

Purpose

This study aimed to use traditional statistics and machine learning to develop and validate prediction models for predicting hospital death in patients with AMI and compare these models' performance.

Patients and Methods

Data were retrieved from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC III) electronic clinical database. A total of 338 eligible AMI patients were divided into a training cohort (n = 238) and a validation cohort (n = 100), and all patients were divided into survival groups and nonsurvival groups according to patients' hospital outcomes. The performance of the traditional statistics prediction model and the optimal machine learning prediction model was evaluated and compared with respect to discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility in the validation cohort.

Results

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified the following independent risk factors associated with hospital death for AMI in the training cohort, including diastolic blood pressure, blood lactate, blood creatinine, age, blood pH, and red blood cell distribution width. Both the nomogram (AUC = 77.0%, 67.9-86.1%) and optimal machine learning model (AUC = 82.9%, 74.9-91.0%) achieved good discrimination and calibration in the validation cohort. Decision curves analysis showed that the optimal machine learning model has a greater net benefit than that of nomogram in this study.

Conclusion

The nomogram achieved a concise and relatively accurate prediction of hospital death in patients with AMI, the machine learning model also has good discrimination and seems to have better clinical utility. Traditional statistics may help infer the relationship between risk factors and hospital death, while machine learning may contribute to a more accurate prediction. Traditional statistics and machine learning are complementary in developing the prediction model for hospital death of AMI. Therefore, a combination of nomogram-machine learning (Nomo-ML) predictive model may improve care and help clinicians make AMI management-related decisions.

Nomogram for predicting transmural bowel infarction in patients with acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) caused by superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (SMVT) remains undetermined and early detection of transmural bowel infarction (TBI) is crucial. The predisposition to develop TBI is of clinical concern, which can lead to fatal sepsis with hemodynamic instability and multi-organ failure. Early resection of necrotic bowel could improve the prognosis of AMI, however, accurate prediction of TBI remains a challenge for clinicians. When determining the eligibility for explorative laparotomy, the underlying risk factors for bowel infarction should be fully evaluated.

AIM

To develop and externally validate a nomogram for prediction of TBI in patients with acute SMVT.

METHODS

Consecutive data from 207 acute SMVT patients at the Wuhan Tongji Hospital and 89 patients at the Guangzhou Nanfang Hospital between July 2005 and December 2018 were included in this study. They were grouped as training and external validation cohort. The 207 cases (training cohort) from Tongji Hospital were divided into TBI and reversible intestinal ischemia groups based on the final therapeutic outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for TBI using the training data, and a nomogram was subsequently developed. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated with respect to discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness in the training and external validation cohort.

RESULTS

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified the following independent prognostic factors associated with TBI in the training cohort: The decreased bowel wall enhancement (OR = 6.37, P < 0.001), rebound tenderness (OR = 7.14, P < 0.001), serum lactate levels > 2 mmol/L (OR = 3.14, P = 0.009) and previous history of deep venous thrombosis (OR = 6.37, P < 0.001). Incorporating these four factors, the nomogram achieved good calibration in the training set [area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) 0.860; 95%CI: 0.771-0.925] and the external validation set (AUC 0.851; 95%CI: 0.796-0.897). The positive and negative predictive values (95%CIs) of the nomogram were calculated, resulting in positive predictive values of 54.55% (40.07%-68.29%) and 53.85% (43.66%-63.72%) and negative predictive values of 93.33% (82.14%-97.71%) and 92.24% (85.91%-95.86%) for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Based on the nomogram, patients who had a Nomo-score of more than 90 were considered to have high risk for TBI. Decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram was clinically useful.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram achieved an optimal prediction of TBI in patients with AMI. Using the model, the risk for an individual patient inclined to TBI can be assessed, thus providing a rational therapeutic choice.

Predictors of irreversible intestinal resection in patients with acute mesenteric venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric venous thrombosis (AMVT) can cause a poor prognosis. Prompt transcatheter thrombolysis (TT) can achieve early mesenteric revascularization. However, irreversible intestinal ischemia still occurs and the mechanism is still unclear.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of and to identify predictive factors for irreversible intestinal ischemia requiring surgical resection in AMVT patients treated by TT.

METHODS

The records of consecutive patients with AMVT treated by TT from January 2010 to October 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. We compared patients who required resection of irreversible intestinal ischemia to patients who did not require.

RESULTS

Among 58 patients, prompt TT was carried out 28.5 h after admission. A total of 42 (72.4%) patients underwent arteriovenous combined thrombolysis, and 16 (27.6%) underwent arterial thrombolysis alone. The overall 30-d mortality rate was 8.6%. Irreversible intestinal ischemia was indicated in 32 (55.2%) patients, who had a higher 30-d mortality and a longer in-hospital stay than patients without resection. The significant independent predictors of irreversible intestinal ischemia were Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (odds ratio = 2.368, 95% confidence interval: 1.047-5.357, P = 0.038) and leukocytosis (odds ratio = 2.058, 95% confidence interval: 1.085-3.903, P = 0.027). Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, the cutoff values of the APACHE II score and leukocytosis for predicting the onset of irreversible intestinal ischemia were calculated to be 8.5 and 12 × 10⁹/L, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Prompt TT could achieve a favorable outcome in AMVT patients. High APACHE II score and leukocytosis can significantly predict the occurrence of irreversible intestinal ischemia. Therefore, close monitoring of these factors may help with the early identification of patients with irreversible intestinal ischemia, in whom ultimately surgical resection is required, before the initiation of TT.

Quantitative investigation of vascular response to mesenteric venous thrombosis using large-field-of-view photoacoustic microscopy

Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is one of major causes leading to severe mesenteric ischemia. Vascular network plays an important role during the occurrence and development of MVT. However, there lacks an appropriate imaging method, which features advanced volumetric resolving capability, superior sensitivity to hemoglobin, and ultra-large field-of-view (FOV), to investigate vascular response of MVT. In this study, we developed and applied a large-FOV optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy to quantify the vascular response during the entire course of two different MVT models in which we ligated the superior mesenteric vein and inferior mesenteric vein, respectively. Furthermore, we developed a quantitative algorithm to derive total vascular length, relative concentration of total hemoglobin and vascular density over the FOV to reveal different vascular responses in different MVT models.

Outcomes and clinical characteristics of transmural intestinal necrosis in acute mesenteric ischemia

Background: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a rare life-threatening condition, especially for the patients with transmural intestinal necrosis (TIN). However, the optimal time for surgical intervention is controversial. As a series study, this study aimed to identify the outcomes and clinical characteristic of patients with TIN. Methods: Clinical data of 158 patients with AMI from January 2010 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed in a national gastrointestinal referral center in China to confirm the outcomes and identify predictors for TIN. Results: According to the results of pathological assessment and follow-up, 62 patients were TIN and 96 were non-TIN. Patients with TIN have a higher mortality and incidence of severe complications. The significant independent predictors for TIN were arterial lactate level (OR: 4.76 [2.29 ∼ 9.89]), free intraperitoneal fluid (OR: 9.49 [2.56 ∼ 35.24]) and pneumatosis intestinalis (OR: 7.08 [1.68 ∼ 29.82]) in computed tomography (CT) scan imaging. The overall area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of the model was 0.934 (95% confidence interval: 0.893 ∼ 0.974). Using ROC curve, the cutoff value of arterial lactate level predicting the onset of TIN was 2.65 mmol/L. Conclusions: Patients concomitant with TIN manifest a higher risk of poor prognosis. The three predictors for TIN were arterial lactate level >2.65 mmol/L, free intraperitoneal fluid and pneumatosis intestinalis. Close monitoring these predictors would help identify AMI patients developed TIN and in urgent need for bowel resection.

Contemporary Management of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in the Endovascular Era

Objective:

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a rare disease entity associated with high morbidity and mortality. Disparate etiologies and nonspecific symptoms make the diagnosis challenging and often result in delayed diagnosis and intervention. Open laparotomy with mesenteric revascularization and resection of necrotic bowel has been considered the gold standard of care. With recent advances in percutaneous catheter-directed techniques, multiple retrospective studies have demonstrated the outcomes of endovascular therapy. Herein, we review the etiology, presentation, and diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia with contemporary outcomes associated with both open and endovascular treatments.

Methods:

The PubMed electronic database was queried in the English language using the search words mesenteric, acute ischemia, embolism, thromboembolism, thrombosis, revascularization, and endovascular in various combinations. Abstracts of the relevant titles were examined to confirm their relevance and the full articles then extracted. References from extracted articles were checked for any additional relevant articles. This systematic review encompassed literature for the past 5 years (between 2011 and 2016).

Results:

Early diagnosis and intervention improves acute mesenteric ischemia outcomes. Early restoration of mesenteric flow minimizes morbidity and mortality. In comparison to open laparotomy with mesenteric revascularization and resection of necrotic bowel, several retrospective studies using administrative data and single-center chart reviews demonstrate noninferior outcomes of an endovascular first approach in acute arterial mesenteric occlusion.

Conclusions:

For acute mesenteric arterial occlusive disease, both endovascular and open revascularization techniques are viable options. Although there is lack of level 1 evidence, single-center retrospective studies and administrative database studies demonstrated that an endovascular first approach may have improved outcomes in the immediate postoperative period. However, selection and other bias in these studies necessitate the need for definitive randomized prospective studies between endovascular and open mesenteric intervention. In contrast, mesenteric venous thrombosis may be treated with systemic anticoagulation without surgical revascularization. Catheter-directed thrombectomy and thrombolysis can be considered at the discretion of the clinician.

Oral contraceptive and acute intestinal ischemia with mesenteric venous thrombosis: a case report

Background

Venous thrombosis is a serious complication of combined contraceptive usage. However, mesenteric venous thrombosis and intestinal necrosis are infrequently seen in women using oral contraceptives, and in such cases diagnosis is often delayed.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 38-year-old obese female patient who presented with acute abdominal pain. A bowel infection was first diagnosed and treated with antibiotics. Contrast-enhanced tomography of the abdomen revealed diffuse ischemia of the small intestine with superior mesenteric thrombosis. Laparotomy with segmental resection of both small and large bowel was performed. No predisposing factor of mesenteric venous thrombosis was demonstrated except association of the combined contraceptive with obesity.

Conclusion

This report highlights the need for clinicians to suspect venous mesenteric thrombosis in women of reproductive age with acute abdominal pain and poor physical findings. Detailed personal history including prescriptions should help to quickly and accurately determine the problem.

Acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis associated with abdominal trauma: A rare case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Acute mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is defined as new-onset thrombosis of the mesenteric vein without evidence of collateralization, finally resulting in extensive intestinal infarction. MVT may be idiopathic or be caused by conditions responsible for thrombophilia and acquired risk factors. To date, there have been few reports of MVT after trauma. Herein we describe our experiences treating three patients with MVT.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Case 1 was a 44-year-old man with transverse colon mesenteric hematoma after blunt abdominal trauma. Case 2 was a 55-year-old man with jejunal transection after a traffic accident. Case 3 was a 26-year-old man presented with multiple abdominal stab bowel injury.

DIAGNOSES

A 1-week follow-up abdominal computed tomography scan showed superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in all of three patients.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients were treated with anticoagulant for 3 or 6 months.

OUTCOMES

MVTs were completely resolved without any complications.

LESSONS

If early diagnosis and treatment could be available, anticoagulation alone might be adequate for the treatment of SMVT associated with trauma. Early anticoagulation in patients with acute SMVT may avoid the grave prognosis observed in patients with arterial thrombosis.

Open Abdomen Improves Survival in Patients With Peritonitis Secondary to Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND

Damage control surgery and open abdomen (OA) have been extensively used in the severe traumatic patients. However, there was little information when extended to a nontrauma setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the liberal use of OA as a damage control surgery adjunct improved the clinical outcome in acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A single-center, retrospective cohort review was performed in a national tertiary surgical referral center.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients received OA (OA group) and 65 patients had a primary fascial closure (non-OA group) after diagnosed as peritonitis secondary to acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion from January, 2005 to June, 2016. Revascularization was achieved through endovascular aspiration embolectomy, open embolectomy, or percutaneous stent. No difference of bowel resection length was found between groups in the first emergency surgery. However, more non-OA patients (35.4%) required a second-look enterectomy to remove the residual bowel ischemia than OA patients (13.6%, P<0.05). OA was closed within a median of 7 days (4 to 15 d). There was a mean of 134 cm residual alive bowel in OA, whereas 96 cm in non-OA. More non-OA patients suffered from intra-abdominal sepsis (23.1% vs. 6.8%, P<0.01), intra-abdominal hypertension (31% vs. 0, P<0.01), and acute renal failure (53.8% vs. 31.8%, P<0.05) than OA group after surgery. Short-bowel syndrome occurred infrequently in OA than non-OA patients (9.1% vs. 36.9%, P<0.01). OA significantly decreased the 30-day (27.3% vs. 52.3%, P<0.01) and 1-year mortality rate (31.8 % vs. 61.5%, P<0.01) compared with non-OA group.

CONCLUSIONS

Liberal use of OA, as a damage control adjunct avoided the development of intra-abdominal hypertension, reduced sepsis-related complication, and improved the clinical outcomes in peritonitis secondary to acute SMA occlusion.

The role of endovascular therapy in acute mesenteric ischemia

Background

Endovascular therapy, including aspiration thrombectomy and local thrombolytic therapy, often associated with angioplasty and stent placement, has been described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review case series of patients with acute mesenteric ischemia treated with endovascular therapy and evaluate their outcomes.

Methods

An online review using PubMed was carried out to identify all English articles about this topic in the time interval from 2005 to 2016.

The following variables were extracted

number of patients, cause of occlusion, symptoms, arteries involved, number of sessions of treatment, technical success, clinical success, recurrence rate, complications, mortality rate, number of patients who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy or surgical resection of ischemic bowel.

Results

Eighteen papers met the inclusion criteria and were included. Among the patients with arterial mesenteric ischemia treated with endovascular approach, the technical success rate was high (up to 100%) and data regarding clinical success are encouraging, even though they are few and heterogeneous. Technical success rate and clinical success of patients with acute venous mesenteric ischemia approached with endovascular treatment was 74-100% and 87.5-100% respectively.

Conclusions

Current advances in endovascular therapies have made these treatments feasible for mesenteric ischemia.

Acute mesenteric ischemia (Part II) - Vascular and endovascular surgical approaches

The modern treatment of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) requires seamless collaboration of gastrointestinal surgeons, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists. The treatment strategy is straightforward aiming at rapid restoration of blood flow to the intestine. Bowel resection is performed on demand. The first thing to consider is the patient's clinical condition at presentation, whether there are signs of peritonitis or not, and whether the patient is hemodynamically stable or not. Second, there are four etiologies of AMI that need to be distinguished as they differ in treatment: superior mesenteric artery embolism, mesenteric arterial occlusive disease, mesenteric venous thrombosis, and non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia. In this review, we describe the basic vascular and endovascular treatment modalities accompanied by a simple algorithm for the various situations in AMI. Furthermore, the indications for damage control and primary definitive surgery are discussed.

Testing for thrombophilia in mesenteric venous thrombosis - Retrospective original study and systematic review

The aim was to perform a local study of risk factors and thrombophilia in mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT), and to review the literature concerning thrombophilia testing in MVT. Patients hospitalized for surgical or medical treatment of MVT at our center 2000-2015. A systematic review of observational studies was performed. In the local study, the most frequently identified risk factor was Factor V Leiden mutation. The systematic review included 14 original studies. The highest pooled percentage of any inherited thrombophilic factor were: Factor V Leiden mutation 9% (CI 2.9-16.1), prothrombin gene mutation 7% (CI 2.7-11.8). The highest pooled percentage of acquired thrombophilic factors were JAK2 V617F mutation 14% (CI -1.9-28.1). The wide range of frequency of inherited and acquired thrombophilic factors in different populations indicates the necessity to relate these factors to background population based data in order to estimate their overrepresentation in MVT. There is a need to develop guidelines for when and how thrombophilia testing should be performed in MVT.

Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis Associated with Hormonal Contraceptive Use

A 44-year-old woman was admitted with a 7-day history of lower abdominal pain and nausea. Physical examination demonstrated tenderness in the lower abdomen without signs of peritonitis. There were no specific findings in the laboratory evaluation. She had a history of dysmenorrhea for 15 years and was taking a combined hormonal contraceptive containing 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg drospirenone for 19 months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMVT). Systemic anticoagulant infusion was immediately administered and the symptoms disappeared within 2 days. The thrombus disappeared after 3 months. This case report suggests that early diagnosis of SMVT and immediate systemic anticoagulant therapy may reduce the rate of intestinal infarction.

Mesenteric venous thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

This review explores the current literature on the natural history, diagnosis, and management of mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) in the modern era.

METHODS

A review of the contemporary literature from 1997 to 2016 on MVT and its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment was performed.

RESULTS

MVT is an insidious and lethal disease associated with acute mesenteric ischemia. The prevalence of MVT has increased sharply during the past two decades commensurate with an increase in radiographic imaging for abdominal complaints. The optimal treatment of and approach to MVT is controversial, given the poorly understood natural history of this rare disease. Both endovascular and open surgical strategies in addition to systemic anticoagulation have been used as adjuncts to treat MVT with limited success. Despite advances in treatment, mortality associated with MVT is still high. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that failure to recanalize the portomesenteric venous system leads to an increased risk for development of sequelae of portal hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

MVT is a challenging disease to treat, given the difficulty in establishing a prompt initial diagnosis and the inability to reliably monitor patients for evidence of impending bowel infarction. Careful selection of patients for endovascular, open, or hybrid approaches is key to achieving improved outcomes. However, the paucity of prospective data and our evolving understanding of the natural history of MVT make consensus treatment strategies difficult to ascertain.

Mesenteric vein thrombosis can be safely treated with anticoagulation but is associated with significant sequelae of portal hypertension

BACKGROUND

Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is a relatively uncommon but potentially lethal condition associated with bowel ischemia and infarction. The natural history and long-term outcomes are poorly understood and under-reported.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective review of noncirrhotic patients diagnosed with MVT from 1999 to 2015 was performed using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and radiology codes. Patients were excluded if no radiographic imaging was available for review. Eighty patients were identified for analysis. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data on presentation and at long-term follow-up were collected. Long-term sequelae of portal venous hypertension were defined as esophageal varices, portal vein cavernous transformation, splenomegaly, or hepatic atrophy, as seen on follow-up imaging.

RESULTS

There were 80 patients (57.5% male; mean age, 57.9 ± 15.6 years) identified; 83.3% were symptomatic, and 80% presented with abdominal pain. Median follow-up was 480 days (range, 1-6183 days). Follow-up radiographic and clinical data were available for 50 patients (62.5%). The underlying causes of MVT included cancer (41.5%), an inflammatory process (25.9%), the postoperative state (20.7%), and idiopathic cases (18.8%). Pancreatic cancer was the most common associated malignant neoplasm (53%), followed by colon cancer (15%). Twenty patients (26%) had prior or concurrent lower extremity deep venous thromboses. Most patients (68.4%) were treated with anticoagulation; the rest were treated expectantly. Ten (12.5%) had bleeding complications related to anticoagulation, including one death from intracranial hemorrhage. Four patients underwent intervention (three pharmacomechanical thrombolysis and one thrombectomy). One patient died of intestinal ischemia. Two patients had recurrent MVT, both on discontinuing anticoagulation. Long-term imaging sequelae of portal hypertension were noted in 25 of 50 patients (50%) who had follow-up imaging available. Patients with long-term sequelae had lower recanalization rates (36.8% vs 65%; P = .079) and significantly higher rates of complete as opposed to partial thrombosis at the initial event (73% vs 43.3%; P < .005). Long-term sequelae were unrelated to the initial cause or treatment with anticoagulation (P = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Most cases of MVT are associated with malignant disease or an inflammatory process, such as pancreatitis. A diagnosis of malignant disease in the setting of MVT has poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival of only 25%. MVT can be effectively treated with anticoagulation in the majority of cases. Operative or endovascular intervention is rarely needed but important to consider in patients with signs of severe ischemia or impending bowel infarction. There is a significant incidence of radiographically noted long-term sequelae from MVT related to portal venous hypertension, especially in cases of initial complete thrombosis of the mesenteric vein.