Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia (AMI) presents a significant diagnostic challenge in the emergency department, characterized by high mortality rates and often non-specific symptoms. While frequently confused with acute myocardial infarction, AMI requires a high index of clinical suspicion, particularly in older patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) serves as the definitive diagnostic tool, and clinicians should prioritize this imaging regardless of concerns regarding contrast-induced kidney injury. Management strategies must be tailored to the specific etiology, ranging from surgical intervention for arterial occlusions to anticoagulation for mesenteric venous thrombosis. Because symptoms can be transient and laboratory markers lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity, early resuscitation with fluids and antibiotics, combined with prompt consultation with surgical or endovascular specialists, remains the most effective approach to improving patient outcomes in this high-risk population.