Acute mesenteric ischemia classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Rim Halaby

Overview

Acute mesenteric ischemia can be classified into three main groups according to the different underlying causes: occlusive arterial, occlusive venous and non occlusive acute mesenteric ischemia. Each of these types has a characteristic clinical presentation and different management plan.

Classification

1- Occlusive Arterial Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

• Sudden onset of occlusion of mesenteric artery, most commonly superior mesenteric artery
• Embolism or thrombus in the mesenteric artery

2- Occlusive Venous Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

• Thrombosis in mesenteric portal veins

3- Non occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia

• Systemic decrease in blood flow with associated constriction of the mesenteric vasculature.