Management of mesenteric vascular occlusion

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate our recent clinical management of mesenteric vascular occlusion (MVO) at Al-Ain Hospital, United Arab Emirates. Methods: A retrospective study was performed including all patients who were diagnosed to have MVO from December 2001 to May 2005. The records were studied with regard to clinical features, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Results: Of the 14 patients studied, seven patients experienced mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT), five patients mesenteric arterial occlusion (MAO), and two patients were found to have both MVT and MAO. The main risk factor for MAO was ischaemic heart disease with atrial fibrillation in four patients (80 percent). No predisposing factors were identified in three patients with MVT (primary MVT 43 percent). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed in all patients and was diagnostic in 12 (86 percent) patients. Seven patients (50 percent) underwent surgery. One patient died on the ninth postoperative day (overall mortality rate 7 percent). Seven patients (50 percent) were successfully managed conservatively, five of them had only MVT, one had combined MVT and MAO, and one had only MAO. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of anticoagulation therapy, with operative intervention when indicated, are essential for a favourable outcome.