Survival of three nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia patients following early diagnosis by multidetector row computed tomography and prostaglandin E1 treatment

Intern Med. 2008;47(22):2001-6. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.1213. Epub 2008 Nov 17.

Abstract

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is an acute mesenteric circulatory disorder which is characterized by spasm and narrowing of the arterial branches. In contrast to occlusive disease, early diagnosis of NOMI is difficult because of its mild symptoms, thus resulting in a high mortality rate. In this study, we report three cases who survived NOMI because of early diagnosis by multidetector row computed tomography and immediate treatment with prostaglandin E1, which is known to improve blood flow by relaxing vascular smooth muscle. We conclude that early diagnosis and treatment of NOMI with prostaglandin E1 considerably improves the prognosis of this disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alprostadil / pharmacology
  • Alprostadil / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ischemia / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Mesenteric Arteries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Mesenteric Arteries / drug effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Survival*
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed* / methods

Substances

  • Alprostadil