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Aim: The objective of the study was to assess the impact of ozone (O3) and trimetazidine on the intestines following ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury through the investigation of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Methods: Forty Sprague Dawley rats were separated into five groups. The groups were named as follows: control, O3, I/R, I/R + trimetazidine (TMZ), and I/R + O3. The control group had laparotomy and exploration of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) only. Furthermore, alongside laparotomy and SMA exploration, an intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of a 0.7 mg/kg ozone–oxygen (O3-O2) combination was given to the O3 group. In the experimental groups, the SMA was blocked with the silk suture ligation technique for a duration of 1 h and then restored to normal blood flow for another hour. In the I/R + O3 group, ozone was delivered i.p. at a dosage of 0.7 mg/kg, 30 min after ischemia. In the I/R + TMZ group, a dose of 20 mg/kg/day of trimetazidine was administered orally via gavage for a duration of 7 days, beginning 1 week prior to the induction of ischemia. Intestinal tissues were taken to assess indicators of intestinal mucosal injury and oxidative stress. Results: The level of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly reduced in the experimental groups as compared to the I/R group (p < 0.05). The experimental groups had considerably greater levels of glutathione (GSH), which reflects antioxidant capacity, compared to the I/R group (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the concentration of GSH was observed to be increased in the I/R + O3 group in comparison to the I/R + TMZ group (p < 0.05). The histopathological damage score showed a substantial decrease in the experimental groups as compared to the I/R group (p < 0.05). The I/R + O3 group had the lowest injury score. The experimental groups exhibited significantly reduced positivity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and glucose-regulated protein (GRP)-78 compared to the I/R group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings provide evidence for the potential advantages of utilizing ozone therapy in the treatment of intestinal ischemia–reperfusion injury. Additionally, they propose that ozone should be assessed in more extensive clinical trials in the future as a therapeutic agent that can disrupt endoplasmic reticulum stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is a grave complication in individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF). This condition often necessitates extensive bowel resection, culminating in short bowel syndrome, which presents challenges for anticoagulant administration and/or antiarrhythmic therapy. Case presentation: Presented here are findings of two patients, aged 78 and 72 years, respectively, who underwent comprehensive thoracoscopic AF surgery subsequent to extensive small bowel resection following SMA embolization. In each, onset of AF precipitated an embolic event, while the concurrent presence of short bowel syndrome complicated anticoagulation management. Total thoracoscopic AF surgery, comprised stapler-closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) and bilateral epicardial clamp-isolation of the pulmonary veins, an operative modality aimed at addressing AF rhythm control and mitigating embolic events such as cerebral infarction, led to favorable outcomes in both cases. Additionally, computed tomography (CT) conducted one month post-surgery revealed the absence of residual tissue in the LAA, with the left atrium demonstrating a well-rounded, spherical shape. At the time of writing, the patients have remained asymptomatic following surgery regarding thromboembolic and arrhythmic manifestations for 29 and 10 months, respectively, notwithstanding the absence of anticoagulant or antiarrhythmic pharmacotherapy. Additionally, electrocardiographic surveillance has revealed persistent sinus rhythm. Conclusions: The present findings underscore the feasibility and efficacy of a total thoracoscopic AF surgery procedure for patients presented with short bowel syndrome complicating SMA embolization, thus warranting consideration for its broader clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening disease that can be managed by surgery or endovascular therapy. Endovascular therapy shows great efficacy and good clinical outcomes even in technically demanding interventions, and it can become an alternative to surgery. After the revascularisation of mesenteric arteries, we should take into account the risk of reperfusion injury with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and worse clinical outcomes. We present a case of acute embolic mesenteric ischemia associated with acute left external iliac artery occlusion due to poorly anticoagulated atrial fibrillation, treated by a complex multiple stent-based angioplasty.

This paper summarized the peri-operative nursing of a case of special abdominal aortic aneurysm treated by artery bypass graft surgery. Key issues of peri-perative nursing included pre-operative preparation, intra-operative cooperation, prevention of post-operative complications, psychological care, pain management and health guidance. Target nursing interventions should be carried out to ensure the success of artery bypass graft surgery and improve the post-operative recovery of the patient. (本文总结1例特殊腹主动脉瘤患者人工血管搭桥手术的围手术期护理经验, 包括术前准备、术中配合、术后并发症预防、心理干预、疼痛管理、健康指导等。通过开展重点护理干预, 有助于患者手术的顺利完成和促进术后康复。)

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of 13 patients with acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion who underwent intra-arterial urokinase thrombolysis between 2008 and 2020. On angiography, seven presented with complete SMA occlusion versus six with incomplete occlusion. The median time from abdominal pain to attempting urokinase thrombolysis was 15.0 h (interquartile range, 6.0 h). After urokinase therapy, bowel perfusion was restored with bowel preservation in six patients; however, treatment failed in the other seven patients. The degree of SMA occlusion (complete vs. incomplete, p = 0.002), degree of recanalisation (p = 0.012), and length of stay (p = 0.032) differed significantly between groups. Of the seven patients with complete SMA occlusion, six underwent bowel resection, of whom three died, and the remaining patient died of shock due to delayed surgery. Among the six patients with incomplete SMA occlusion, no bowel resection was performed. In our experience, intra-arterial urokinase thrombolysis may serve as an adjunctive treatment modality, being a potential replacement for open thrombectomy that is able to preserve the bowel and obviate surgery in cases of incomplete SMA occlusion; however, its use is unsuitable in cases of complete SMA occlusion, for which surgery is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chronic ischemic gastritis (CIG) requires early diagnosis and treatment as complications of thromboembolism can be fatal. Although computed tomography (CT) is useful in the diagnosis of CIG, it is difficult to diagnose from a patient's history, endoscopic findings, and tissue biopsy. Identification of the key findings that motivate computed tomography is an important issue. We report a case of CIG diagnosed by endoscopic findings of white patches of mucosa over time. A 63‐year‐old man presented with epigastric pain. He had a history of repeated gastric ulcers of an undetermined cause. We performed upper endoscopy and observed the appearance of multiple white patches on the gastric mucosa. Central vessel stenosis was considered, and aortic computed tomography revealed complete occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery and stenosis of the celiac artery. We carried out a surgical bypass and found no postoperative endoscopic mucosal changes or abdominal pain. White patch changes in the gastric mucosa over time during endoscopy may indicate CIG. This finding may help in the future diagnosis of CIG.

Abstract Background The novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has spread rapidly around the world and has caused many deaths. COVID-19 involves a systemic hypercoagulable state and arterial/venous thrombosis which induces unfavorable prognosis. Herein, we present a first case in East Asia where an acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion associated with COVID-19 pneumonia was successfully treated by surgical intervention. Case presentation A 70-year-old man presented to his local physician with a 3-day history of cough and diarrhea. A real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test showed positive for COVID-19, and he was admitted to the source hospital with the diagnosis of moderate COVID-19 pneumonia. Eight days later, acute onset of severe abdominal pain appeared with worsening respiratory condition. Contrast CT showed that bilateral lower lobe/middle lobe and lingula ground glass opacification with distribution suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia and right renal infarction. In addition, it demonstrated SMA occlusion with intestinal ischemia suggesting extensive necrosis from the jejunum to the transverse colon. The patient underwent an emergency exploratory laparotomy with implementing institutional COVID-19 precaution guideline. Upon exploration, the intestine from jejunum at 100 cm from Treitz ligament to middle of transverse colon appeared necrotic. Necrotic bowel resection was performed with constructing jejunostomy and transverse colon mucous fistula. We performed second surgery to close the jejunostomy and transverse colon mucous fistula with end-to-end anastomosis on postoperative day 22. The postoperative course was uneventful and he moved to another hospital for rehabilitation to improve activities of daily living (ADLs) on postoperative day 45. As of 6 months after the surgery, his ADLs have completely improved and he has returned to social life without any intravenous nutritional supports. Conclusions Intensive treatment including surgical procedures allowed the patient with SMA occlusion in COVID-19 pneumonia to return to social life with completely independent ADLs. Although treatment for COVID-19 involves many challenges, including securing medical resources and controlling the spread of infection, when severe abdominal pain occurs in patients with COVID-19, physicians should consider SMA occlusion and treat promptly for life-saving from this deadly combination.

Background: The novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has spread rapidly around the world and has caused many deaths. COVID-19 involves a systemic hypercoagulable state and arterial/venous thrombosis which induces unfavorable prognosis. Herein, we present a first case in East Asia where an acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion associated with COVID-19 pneumonia was successfully treated by surgical intervention. Case presentation: A 70-year-old man presented to his local physician with a 3-day history of cough and diarrhea. A real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test showed positive for COVID-19, and he was admitted to the source hospital with the diagnosis of moderate COVID-19 pneumonia. Eight days later, acute onset of severe abdominal pain appeared with worsening respiratory condition. Contrast CT showed that bilateral lower lobe/middle lobe and lingula ground glass opacification with distribution suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia and right renal infarction. In addition, it demonstrated SMA occlusion with intestinal ischemia suggesting extensive necrosis from the jejunum to the transverse colon. The patient underwent an emergency exploratory laparotomy with implementing institutional COVID-19 precaution guideline. Upon exploration, the intestine from jejunum at 100 cm from Treitz ligament to middle of transverse colon appeared necrotic. Necrotic bowel resection was performed with constructing jejunostomy and transverse colon mucous fistula. We performed second surgery to close the jejunostomy and transverse colon mucous fistula with end-to-end anastomosis on postoperative day 22. The postoperative course was uneventful and he moved to another hospital for rehabilitation to improve activities of daily living (ADLs) on postoperative day 45. As of 6 months after the surgery, his ADLs have completely improved and he has returned to social life without any intravenous nutritional supports. Conclusions: Intensive treatment including surgical procedures allowed the patient with SMA occlusion in COVID-19 pneumonia to return to social life with completely independent ADLs. Although treatment for COVID-19 involves many challenges, including securing medical resources and controlling the spread of infection, when severe abdominal pain occurs in patients with COVID-19, physicians should consider SMA occlusion and treat promptly for life-saving from this deadly combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of 13 patients with acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion who underwent intra-arterial urokinase thrombolysis between 2008 and 2020. On angiography, seven presented with complete SMA occlusion versus six with incomplete occlusion. The median time from abdominal pain to attempting urokinase thrombolysis was 15.0 h (interquartile range, 6.0 h). After urokinase therapy, bowel perfusion was restored with bowel preservation in six patients; however, treatment failed in the other seven patients. The degree of SMA occlusion (complete vs. incomplete, p = 0.002), degree of recanalisation (p = 0.012), and length of stay (p = 0.032) differed significantly between groups. Of the seven patients with complete SMA occlusion, six underwent bowel resection, of whom three died, and the remaining patient died of shock due to delayed surgery. Among the six patients with incomplete SMA occlusion, no bowel resection was performed. In our experience, intra-arterial urokinase thrombolysis may serve as an adjunctive treatment modality, being a potential replacement for open thrombectomy that is able to preserve the bowel and obviate surgery in cases of incomplete SMA occlusion; however, its use is unsuitable in cases of complete SMA occlusion, for which surgery is warranted.

Abstract Background Patients with chronic occlusion of the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) are often asymptomatic, and occlusion may be caused by arteriosclerosis or median arcuate ligament compression. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is occasionally performed for patients with celiac artery occlusion; however, reports on patients with SMA occlusion are rare. We report a patient with cholangiocarcinoma and total atherosclerotic occlusion of the SMA without preoperative stenting or bypass. Case presentation A 73-year-old man suspected to have lower bile duct carcinoma was admitted to our hospital for further treatment. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) showed a common bile duct tumor and total occlusion of the SMA with collateral circulation of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). We performed a PD. During the operation, we used test clamping of the GDA, which revealed no bowel ischemia. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day (POD) 30. 3DCT on POD 98 and POD 307 showed development of collateral circulation between the IMA and SMA. Conclusion Here, we report the case of a patient with total occlusion of the SMA who subsequently underwent PD. 3DCT was instrumental in gathering vascular collateral information and thus we conclude that the assessment of collateral circulation before surgery is important.

A 77-year-old woman who had experienced postprandial abdominal pain for four years was admitted to our institution presenting sudden and severe abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) demonstrated complete short-segmented occlusion in the orifice of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and saccular aneurysms in the right hepatic artery and the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery. She was diagnosed with abdominal angina due to occlusion of the SMA. The SMA was recanalized by stenting, and a CECT scan confirmed naturally shrunk aneurysms after eight months. The patency of the SMA was maintained at five years after endovascular treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) commonly present with fever, constitutional symptoms, and respiratory symptoms. However, atypical presentations are also well known. Though isolated mesenteric arterial occlusion associated with COVID-19 has been reported in literature, combined superior mesenteric arterial and venous thrombosis is rare. We report a case of combined superior mesenteric arterial and venous occlusion associated with COVID-19 infection.Case Report: We report a case of a 45-year-old man who was a health care worker who presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. The clinical examination was unremarkable, but imaging revealed acute mesenteric ischemia caused by superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein occlusion. Imaging of the chest was suggestive of COVID-19 infection, which was later confirmed with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of his nasopharyngeal swab. To date, only 1 case of combined superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis caused by COVID-19 has been reported. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: During the COVID-19 pandemic it is important to keep mesenteric ischemia in the differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain. Routinely adding high-resolution computed tomography of the chest to abdominal imaging should be considered in patients with acute abdomen because it can help to identify COVID-19 immediately. © 2020 Elsevier Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Surgery for acute type A aortic dissection with mesenteric malperfusion is challenging. Although the peripheral-reperfusion-first strategy has shown good results, more discussion regarding indicated patients is needed. This study aimed to describe the imaging features and surgical outcomes of mesenteric malperfusion and to clarify which cases should be considered for the peripheral-reperfusion-first strategy. Methods: A total of 200 patients underwent emergent aortic repair for acute type A aortic dissection at our institution between October 2011 and July 2019. Superior mesenteric artery occlusion on preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography was detected in 12 patients, who were categorized into two groups based on enhancement (n = 7) or non-enhancement (n = 5) of the superior mesenteric artery peripheral branches. Operative outcomes after central repair were compared between groups. Results: Four patients in the enhanced group had no postoperative abdominal complications, and three patients required superior mesenteric artery bypass grafting with the central-repair-first strategy. However, all patients in the enhanced group survived and did not require intestinal resection. In contrast, four patients (80%) in the non-enhanced group had intestinal necrosis, three patients required intestinal resection, and one patient died from multiple organ failure. Conclusion: The presence or absence of an enhancement of the peripheral superior mesenteric artery by the collateral network could be helpful for decision-making. The central-repair-first strategy may be permitted in patients with enhanced peripheral branches. Conversely, in patients with non-enhanced peripheral branches, a more invasive assessment should be considered before central aortic repair, and peripheral-reperfusion-first strategy may be required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In acute mesenteric ischemia, early diagnosis should optimally be followed by either open or endovascular intestinal revascularization. All too often, diagnosis is delayed and diagnosis and treatment are performed at the same time during explorative laparotomy. The majority of patients will be diagnosed when transmural intestinal infarction has developed and at this time point damage control strategies involving intestinal revascularization, bowel resection, open abdomen and second look may be necessary to salvage the patient. This review outlines the principles of the damage control surgery approach in acute mesenteric ischemia and the rationale for temporary open abdomen. In patients in need of long-term open abdomen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy with continuous fascial traction is a preferred technique achieving a high delayed fascial closure rate.

• Early notice of acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia leads to improved survival. • Endovascular recanalization and surgery may be effective for this type of ischemia. • Direct stenting could save time of recanalization. • As recanalization time is saved, it leads to less distal embolization risk. Acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia (ACMI) refers to acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) developing in a patient displaying typical symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Delayed treatment can cause short bowel syndrome and increased mortality. Intervention involves intestinal revascularization and resection of the necrotic intestine. However, the revascularization procedure must consider the chronic nature of the occlusion. A 79-year-old man presented with periumbilical pain for 6 h. AMI was diagnosed, together with chronic superior mesenteric artery occlusion and suspected intestinal necrosis. The symptomatic CMI might have insufficient blood flow to intestines. Endovascular recanalization of the superior mesenteric artery using direct stenting was performed before laparotomy to improve blood flow to the intestines. Subsequent laparotomy revealed approximately 60 cm of ischemic small bowel extending from the jejunum (300 cm anal to the ligament of Treitz) to the ileum (30 cm oral to the terminal ileum). The necrotic bowel was resected without anastomosis. At the second-look operation, further resection was not required. Making a differential diagnosis between acute and acute-on-chronic occlusions is essential for determining the necessity of recanalization and the method of restoring the intestinal blood flow. Here, the patient with symptomatic CMI might have had insufficient blood flow to the intestines despite establishing collateral supply. We determined that recanalization was needed. Direct stenting without predilation could save time to recanalization and result in less risk of distal embolization. This case suggests prompt recanalization using direct stenting can minimize subsequent bowel resection in patients with ACMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury can ensue from a variety of vascular diseases and represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units. It causes an inflammatory response associated with local gut dysfunction and remote organ injury. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a crucial regulator of metabolic homeostasis. The catalytic α1 subunit is highly expressed in the intestine and vascular system. In loss-of-function studies, we investigated the biological role of AMPKα1 in affecting the gastrointestinal barrier function. Male knock-out (KO) mice with a systemic deficiency of AMPKα1 and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to a 30 min occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery. Four hours after reperfusion, AMPKα1 KO mice exhibited exaggerated histological gut injury and impairment of intestinal permeability associated with marked tissue lipid peroxidation and a lower apical expression of the junction proteins occludin and E-cadherin when compared to WT mice. Lung injury with neutrophil sequestration was higher in AMPKα1 KO mice than WT mice and paralleled with higher plasma levels of syndecan-1, a biomarker of endothelial injury. Thus, the data demonstrate that AMPKα1 is an important requisite for epithelial and endothelial integrity and has a protective role in remote organ injury after acute ischemic events.

Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 therapy counteracts multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in rats, which have permanent occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery close to the abdominal aorta. Previously, when confronted with major vessel occlusion, its effect would rapidly activate collateral vessel pathways and resolve major venous occlusion syndromes (Pringle maneuver ischemia, reperfusion, Budd–Chiari syndrome) in rats. This would overwhelm superior mesenteric artery permanent occlusion, and result in local, peripheral, and central disturbances. Methods: Assessments, for 30 min (gross recording, angiography, ECG, pressure, microscopy, biochemistry, and oxidative stress), included the portal hypertension, caval hypertension, and aortal hypotension, and centrally, the superior sagittal sinus hypertension; systemic arterial and venous thrombosis; ECG disturbances; MDA-tissue increase; and multiple organ lesions and disturbances, including the heart, lung, liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, in particular, as well as brain (cortex (cerebral, cerebellar), hypothalamus/thalamus, hippocampus). BPC 157 therapy (/kg, abdominal bath) (10 µg, 10 ng) was given for a 1-min ligation time. Results: BPC 157 rapidly recruits collateral vessels (inferior anterior pancreaticoduodenal artery and inferior mesenteric artery) that circumvent occlusion and ascertains blood flow distant from the occlusion in the superior mesenteric artery. Portal and caval hypertension, aortal hypotension, and, centrally, superior sagittal sinus hypertension were attenuated or eliminated, and ECG disturbances markedly mitigated. BPC 157 therapy almost annihilated venous and arterial thrombosis. Multiple organ lesions and disturbances (i.e., heart, lung, liver, and gastrointestinal tract, in particular, as well as brain) were largely attenuated. Conclusions: Rats with superior mesenteric artery occlusion may additionally undergo BPC 157 therapy as full counteraction of vascular occlusion-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Background Acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion is a life-threatening disease that often has nonspecific symptoms. However, it should be suspected in those with known risk factors such as atrial fibrillation, cardiac thrombus or cardiac valvular disease. Case Report We reported two cases of acute thromboembolic occlusions of superior mesenteric artery that developed in acute cerebral infarction patients with confirmed atrial fibrillation. Conclusions Nonspecific symptoms of acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion should be closely monitored in acute cerebral infarction patients with atrial fibrillation, considering significance of early management of both vascular disease entities.

OBJECTIVES: Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion often leads to acute lung injury and multiple organ failure. Ischemic preconditioning is protective in nature and reduces tissue injuries in animal and human models. Although hematimetric parameters are widely used as diagnostic tools, there is no report of the influence of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion and ischemic preconditioning on such parameters. We evaluated the hematological changes during ischemia/reperfusion and preconditioning in rats. METHODS: Forty healthy rats were divided into four groups: control, laparotomy, intestinal ischemia/reperfusion and ischemic preconditioning. The intestinal ischemia/reperfusion group received 45 min of superior mesenteric artery occlusion, while the ischemic preconditioning group received 10 min of short ischemia and reperfusion before 45 min of prolonged occlusion. A cell counter was used to analyze blood obtained from rats before and after the surgical procedures and the hematological results were compared among the groups. RESULTS: The results showed significant differences in hematimetric parameters among the groups. The parameters that showed significant differences included lymphocyte, white blood cells and granulocyte counts; hematocrit; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; red cell deviation width; platelet count; mean platelet volume; plateletcrit and platelet distribution width. CONCLUSION: The most remarkable parameters were those related to leukocytes and platelets. Some of the data, including the lymphocyte and granulocytes counts, suggest that ischemic preconditioning attenuates the effect of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion on circulating blood cells. Our work contributes to a better understanding of the hematological responses after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion and IPC, and the present findings may also be used as predictive values.

Anastomotic leakage is more frequently reported in colonic anastomoses. Ischemia reperfusion injury is one of the main reasons for anastomotic leakage. Simvastatin is known to prevent tissue damage induced by free oxygen radicals after ischemia reperfusion injury. The effect of simvastatin on colonic anastomosis impaired by ischemia reperfusion injury is investigated. Single layer, end-to-end colocolic anastomosis after 0.5-cm colon resection was performed in Wistar Albino rats. In Group 1 (control) ( n = 10), colonic anastomosis without I-R was performed. In Group 2 ( n = 10), the superior mesenteric artery was clamped for 10 min followed by 60 min of reperfusion after which resection anastomosis was performed. In Group 3 ( n = 10), 10 mg/kg simvastatin was given by gavage for 7 days after I-R and resection anastomosis. In Group 4 ( n = 10), the rats received 10 mg/kg simvastatin by gavage 7 days before and 7 days after ischemia reperfusion and surgery. All of the rats were sacrificed 8 days after surgery. Anastomotic bursting pressure and tissue hydroxyproline levels were measured. Postoperative administration of simvastatin restored the anastomotic bursting pressure and hydroxyproline levels to that of control group thus overcoming the effect of ischemia reperfusion injury. Simvastatin administered postoperatively in an experimental model of colonic resection anastomosis impaired by ischemia reperfusion injury increased anastomotic bursting pressures and tissue hydroxyproline levels. Further experimental and clinical studies will show whether administration of simvastatin will increase reliability of the anastomosis and decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality in colonic anastomosis after ischemia reperfusion injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report the case of a pregnant 28-year-old who presented with acute upper abdominal pain. CT demonstrated midgut volvulus with short segment occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Emergent detorsion of the small bowel was performed, at which time underlying intestinal malrotation was discovered. Following detorsion, the SMA had a bounding pulse and did not require thrombectomy or revascularization. Fewer than 25 cases of midgut volvulus during pregnancy have been reported over the past 20 years. To our knowledge, this is the first report of maternal midgut volvulus in which imaging captures the resultant occlusion of the SMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 68-year old man was successfully resuscitated after sudden cardiac arrest. Following this event, the patient developed intestinal ischaemia and necrosis requiring surgical treatment. Our case report investigates the cause of the intestinal ischaemia and warns physicians to be aware of this rare but life-threatening condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Retrospective evaluation of 12-year experience with endovascular management of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) due to embolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).Materials and Methods: From 2003 to 2014, we analysed the in-hospital mortality of 37 patients with acute mesenteric embolism who underwent primary endovascular therapy with subsequent on-demand laparotomy. Transcatheter embolus aspiration was used in all 37 patients (19 women, 18 men, median age 76 years) with embolic occlusion of the SMA. Adjunctive local thrombolysis (n = 2) and stenting (n = 2) were also utilised.Results: We achieved complete recanalization of the SMA stem in 91.9 %. One patient was successfully treated by surgical embolectomy due to a failed endovascular approach. Subsequent exploratory laparotomy was performed in 73.0 % (n = 27), and necrotic bowel resection in 40.5 %. The total in-hospital mortality was 27.0 %.Conclusion: Primary endovascular therapy for acute embolic SMA occlusion with on-demand laparotomy is a recommended algorithm used in our centre to treat SMA occlusion. This combined approach for the treatment of AMI is associated with in-hospital mortality rate of 27.0 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: (1) To evaluate the ability of emergency room radiologists to detect acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) from computed tomography (CT) images in patients with acute abdominal pain. (2) To identify factors affecting radiologists' performance in the CT interpretation and patient outcome.Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 95 consecutive patients treated for 97 AMI events between 2009 and 2013 was carried out. The etiology of AMI was embolism in 24 (25%), atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) in 39 (40%), non-obstructive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) in 25 (26%), and mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) in nine (9%) cases. The protocols, referrals and initial radiology reports of the abdominal CTs were analyzed. The CT studies were further scrutinized for vascular and intestinal findings.Results: The referring clinician had suspected AMI in 30 (31%) cases prior to imaging. The crucial findings of AMI had been stated in 97% of the radiology reports if the clinician had mentioned AMI suspicion in the referral; if not, the corresponding rate was 81% (p=0.04). Patients without suspicion of AMI prior to CT were more prone to undergo bowel resection. CT protocol was optimal for AMI (with contrast enhancement in arterial and venous phases) in only 34 (35%) cases. Intestinal findings were more difficult to detect than vascular findings. Vascular findings were retrospectively detectable in 92% of cases with embolism and 100% in ASVD and MVT. Some evidence of intestinal abnormality was retrospectively found in the CT findings in 92%, 100%, 100% and 67% of cases with embolism, ASVD, NOMI and MVT, respectively.Conclusions: AMI is underdiagnosed in the CT of the acute abdomen if there is no clinical suspicion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal obstruction due to strangulated hernias, adhesive bands or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion is treated with immediate surgical intervention. To restore the blood flow of the ischemic bowel, surgical exploration followed by supportive intensive care is important. A sixty years old hypertensive female, with previous history of ischemic heart disease and thrombosis of right axillary artery underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy uneventfully followed by supraventricular tachycardia in the immediate postoperative period. Generalized atherosclerosis, athero-thrombosis of right axillary artery and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) can be correlated with the pro-thrombotic state and the possible deficiency of anticoagulant factors led to embolism and life threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion is a life-threatening disease, and acute intestinal ischemia develops from the sudden decrease in perfusion to the intestines. The key to saving the patient's life is early diagnosis, and prompt revascularization of the SMA can prevent intestinal infarction and decrease the risk of bowel segment necrosis. Computed tomographic angiography may be useful for rapid diagnosis. We report recanalization of an SMA occlusion in an 80-year-old man with a combination of intraarterial thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy with a carotid filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown that mesenteric lymph plays a very important role in the development of multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome under critical conditions. Great efforts have been made to identify the biologically active molecules in the lymph. We used a traumahemorrhagic shock (T/HS) model and the superior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) model, representing a global and a localized intestinal ischemia-reperfusion insult, respectively, to investigate the role of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the cytotoxicity of mesenteric lymph in rats. Lymph was collected before, during, and after (post) shock or SMAO. The post-T/HS and SMAO lymph, but not the sham lymph, manifested cytotoxicity for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVEC cytotoxicity was associated with increased FFAs, especially the FFA-to-protein ratio. Addition of albumin, especially delipidated albumin, reduced this cytotoxicity. Lipase treatment of trauma-sham shock (T/SS) lymph converted it from a noncytotoxic to a cytotoxic fluid, and its toxicity correlated with the FFA-to-protein ratio in a fashion similar to that of the T/HS lymph, further suggesting that FFAs were the key components leading to HUVEC cytotoxicity. Analysis of lymph by gas chromatography revealed that the main FFAs in the post-T/HS or lipase-treated T/SS lymph were palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. When added to the cell culture at levels comparable to those in T/HS lymph, all these FFAs were cytotoxic, with linoleic acid being the most potent. In conclusion, this study suggests that lipase-generated FFAs are the key components resulting in the cytotoxicity of T/HS and SMAO mesenteric lymph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion can be diagnosed in an early phase by computed tomography (CT) angiography, which is also a prerequisite for endovascular intervention. However, the issue of development of postoperative permanent renal failure due to contrast-induced nephropathy has not been evaluated. Design: Retrospective Materials: A total of 55 patients with acute SMA occlusion were retrieved from the in-hospital register during a 4-year period between 2005 and 2009. Methods: Glomerular filtration rate was calculated as a simplified variant of Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group (MDRD). Results: Preoperative renal insufficiency was found in 52%; advanced state in one patient. Creatinine was lower (p = 0.018) at discharge (median: 71 μmol L−1), compared to admission (median: 76 μmol L−1), in the 32 survivors exposed to repeated iodinated contrast media (median: 54.7 g iodine). No patient died due to renal failure or needed dialysis after endovascular intervention. Endovascular intervention was associated with a higher survival rate (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Serious acute contrast-induced nephropathy was not found in patients diagnosed by CT angiography and treated by endovascular procedures for acute SMA occlusion. Elevated serum creatinine levels should not deter the clinician from ordering a CT angiography in patients with suspicion of acute SMA occlusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: BackgroundWe have shown that both intraischemic hypothermia and hypertonic saline resuscitation provide dramatic protection against gut ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury that is in part mediated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). We therefore hypothesized that induction of HO-1 by hemin would lessen damage and improve function after gut I/R.: Materials and methodsMale Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 50 μmol/kg hemin (HO-1 inducer ferric protoporphyrin IX chloride) sq or vehicle 2 h before superior mesenteric artery occlusion for 60 min or sham laparotomy. After 6 h of reperfusion, transit was determined by quantitation of percentage of tracer in 10 equal segments of small intestine 30 min following injection into the duodenum (expressed as mean geometric center). Ileum was harvested for assessment of mucosal histologic injury (Chiu score 0–5 by blinded observer), myeloperoxidase activity (MPO, index of inflammation), and HO-1 protein expression.: ResultsHemin treatment was associated with increased HO-1 protein expression, lessened mucosal injury, decreased MPO activity, and improved intestinal transit following gut I/R.: ConclusionThese data corroborate that HO-1 plays an important role in protecting the gut against I/R-induced injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: BackgroundSuperior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) is a simple and reproducible model of shock-induced gut ischemia/reperfusion, but some argue that it is not clinically relevant. The purpose of the current study was to compare SMAO to a standard model of controlled hemorrhage (CH) and uncontrolled hemorrhage (UH).: MethodsRats had femoral lines and a jejunal mucosal laser Doppler placed followed by SMAO (60 min of ischemia, no resuscitation), controlled hemorrhage (40 mm Hg for 60 min, 2:1 resuscitation shed blood and lactated Ringers), or uncontrolled hemorrhage (liver injury, 3:1 resuscitation with lactated Ringers). Base deficit, lactate, and jejunal mucosal flow (as a percentage of baseline) were recorded during ischemia and for 120 min after reperfusion. Jejunal tissue was harvested for morphological evaluation. Comparison among groups was by analysis of variance (ANOVA), and significance was set at P < 0.05.: ResultsMucosal blood flow was similar among groups at the onset of reperfusion (CH, 16.9 ± 5.0% versus UH, 10.9 ± 3.1% versus SMAO, 13.9 ± 6.2%) and during the initial period of reperfusion. By 120 min, however, flow in CH (75.4 ± 2.5%) was significantly higher that in either UH (36.4 ± 13.1%) or SMAO (31.7 ± 8.4%). Histological injury was less with CH, while base deficit was significantly higher in CH at the onset of reperfusion (−24 ± 2 versus UH, −10 ± 3 and SMAO, −6 ± 3 mM/L) but comparable by the end (CH, −17 ± 4 versus UH, −16 ± 3 and SMAO, −17 ± 2 mM/L).: ConclusionSMAO is a clinically relevant model of shock-induced gut ischemia/reperfusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]