Acute non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia of the small bowel in a patient started on hemodialysis: a case report
2008

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in a Hemodialysis Patient

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Brener Zachary Z, Bergman Michael, Ohm Hyunsook K, Winchester James F

Primary Institution: Beth Israel Medical Center

Hypothesis

Is mesenteric ischemia a significant risk for patients undergoing hemodialysis, even without hypotensive episodes?

Conclusion

Mesenteric ischemia should be suspected in dialysis patients with mild abdominal symptoms, regardless of hypotensive episodes.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient developed abdominal symptoms during his first week on hemodialysis.
  • Histopathology showed transmural ischemic necrosis with hemorrhages.
  • Mesenteric ischemia is a major cause of acute abdomen in dialysis patients.

Takeaway

If someone on dialysis feels any tummy pain, even if it's not severe, doctors should check for a serious problem called mesenteric ischemia.

Methodology

The case was diagnosed through clinical suspicion and confirmed via laparoscopy and histopathology.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

A 76-year-old man with chronic kidney disease and other comorbidities.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1757-1626-1-217

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication