Intestinal infarction

Intestinal Infarction

Intestinal infarction, also known as bowel infarction, is a medical condition characterized by the death of a segment of the intestine due to a lack of blood supply. This condition is a severe and potentially life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Intestinal infarction can affect any part of the intestine, but it most commonly occurs in the small intestine.

Causes

The primary cause of intestinal infarction is a blockage in one or more of the arteries that supply blood to the intestine. This blockage can be due to various reasons, including:

• Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel.
• Embolism: The obstruction of a blood vessel by a clot or foreign material that has been brought to its site by the blood current.
• Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels.
• Strangulated hernia: A hernia that cuts off the blood supply to the intestine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of intestinal infarction can vary but often include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloody diarrhea
• Fever
• Rapid heart rate

If not treated promptly, intestinal infarction can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection, and death of the affected bowel tissue, necessitating surgical removal.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of intestinal infarction involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including:

• Blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Imaging tests such as Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to visualize the affected area
• Angiography to examine the blood vessels of the intestine

Treatment

Treatment for intestinal infarction typically involves surgery to remove the dead section of the intestine and restore blood flow. Other treatments may include:

• Medications to dissolve blood clots
• Antibiotics to prevent or treat infections
• Fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration

Prevention

Preventing intestinal infarction involves managing risk factors for the conditions that can lead to it, such as controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with intestinal infarction depends on the extent of the disease and how quickly they receive treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome.