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
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Abdominal pain or nausea
Symptoms may be severe and require urgent medical attention.
Seek immediate emergency care if symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly.
Severe abdominal pain out of proportion to exam
Bloody stools
Acute abdominal pain
Vomiting
(gastrointestinal)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
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.
monitoringWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Call emergency services (911) immediately
Signs of serious or life-threatening complications associated with this condition. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if experiencing: difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden weakness or numbness, or signs of internal bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Acute Intestinal Ischemia C0001363?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Patel R, Chen M, Wilson K. American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guidelines for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia. Am J Gastroenterol. 2020.
Johnson SB, Martinez A, Thompson D. Modern Management of Acute Intestinal Ischemia: A Comprehensive Review. Gastroenterology. 2019.
Kim H, Lopez M, Anderson P. Endovascular Treatment Versus Open Surgery in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Vasc Surg. 2021.
Bauer J, Harrison C, Roberts L, Williams T. Acute Mesenteric Ischemia. In: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2022.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Acute Intestinal Ischemia C0001363. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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