Cause:Atherosclerotic disease w low-flow states; embolic
Pathophys:Typically, low-flow state; acutely partial or full inferior mesenteric artery occlusion
After initial acute illness, gradual scarring with lumen narrowing, which gradually normalizes, some progress to chronicity due to microscopic damage to vessels
Lab: Noninv:Endoscopy w bx quite specif
Xray:Abdominal xray typically nonspecific, segmental dilation, pneumatosis. CT preferred; shows thromboembolism of mesenteric vessels, intramural or portal venous gas, segmental thickening of the bowel wall, absence of bowel wall enhancement with contrast-enhanced CT, mucosal edema (thumbprinting), possibly bowel dilatation proximal to the ischemic segment of the bowel