Acute Intestinal Ischemia C0001363
A medical emergency where blood flow to the intestines becomes blocked, causing tissue damage. Typically affects older adults with heart disease or circulation problems. Requires immediate surgery or intervention to restore blood flow.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- K76.9
- ICD-11
- DA00.0
- Body system
- gastrointestinal
- Severity
- critical
- Chronic
- false
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Emergency Mesenteric Revascularization
Surgical intervention to restore blood flow to ischemic bowel segments. May involve embolectomy, bypass grafting, or endarterectomy depending on the cause and extent of vascular occlusion. Early intervention is critical to prevent irreversible bowel necrosis and peritonitis.
GI disease management
Requires immediate emergency medical intervention. Do not delay treatment.
Anticoagulation Therapy
Systemic anticoagulation with heparin to prevent clot propagation and allow collateral circulation to develop. Typically administered intravenously during acute phase. Ongoing oral anticoagulation may be required depending on underlying etiology.
Additional treatment options
Endovascular Thrombolysis
Catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy to dissolve arterial clots. Less invasive alternative to open surgery in selected patients with good functional status. Requires careful monitoring for bleeding complications.
procedureVasodilator Therapy
Pharmacologic vasodilation to improve mesenteric blood flow and reduce vascular resistance. Often used adjunctively to anticoagulation. Papaverine is commonly administered via intra-arterial catheter.
medicationIntensive Care Monitoring
Close hemodynamic monitoring in ICU setting with frequent abdominal examinations, serial lactate measurements, and imaging as indicated. Early detection of deterioration allows timely surgical reintervention.
monitoringMedication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Acute Intestinal Ischemia C0001363. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
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If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy