Arash Mirrahimi, MD, MSc; Charlotte Gallienne, MD; Hournaz Ghandehari, MD, FRCPC

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a true surgical emergency and a rare life-threatening condition, accounting for 0.01% of hospital admissions, with extremely high mortality rates (up to 69%). Poor outcomes remain prevalent despite advances in both diagnostic and treatment options over the last two decades

Early diagnosis and management are particularly important given that the highest incidence of AMI occurs in the elderly population, who often have multiple comorbidities leading to a worse prognosis. Biphasic contrast enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images have become the mainstay and standard of care for investigation and timely diagnosis of AMI.

As such, the importance of recognizing imaging features of AMI and timely communication of findings with the referring physicians is of utmost importance for diagnostic radiologists and always a worthwhile topic for review. We have therefore endeavored to provide a brief summary of the presentation of AMI, its causes, relevant anatomy, and most importantly, illustrated review of CT findings that delineate ischemic changes of the bowel and mesentery.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.