A case of angiographically verified non-occlusive mesentery ischemia induced by digitalis

Kayahan H., Topalak O., Goektay Y., Soytuerk M., Meral M., Basaran K., ...More

TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY, vol.19, no.2, pp.125-128, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 19 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.125-128
  • Keywords: nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia, acute mesenteric ischemia, digitalis, INTESTINAL ISCHEMIA
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Here we present a case of non-occlusive mesentery ischemia induced by digitalis, which was verified angiographically. Non-occlusive mesentery ischemia, a subgroup of "acute mesentery ischemia", is known as a period of intestinal ischemic hypoperfusion without a demonstrable vascular occlusion in the mesentery bed. It can be caused by factors leading to splanchnic hypoperfusion, which can be of cardiac, renal or hepatic origin. In addition, it can be induced by certain drugs such as digitalis, ergotamines and vasoactive agents. In clinical practice, digitalis toxicity is commonly seen. In contrast, non-occlusive mesentery ischemia secondary to digitalis is quite rare. However, non-occlusive mesentery ischemia should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients who develop sudden and diffuse abdominal pain while on digitalis therapy.