Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Illinois, USA.
The morbidity and mortality of acute mesenteric ischemia have remained high over the past 30 years despite heightened sensitivity to the diagnosis. Because the duration of the ischemic episode is the most significant determinant of outcome, an aggressive diagnostic and treatment protocol must be maintained. Although this stance may precipitate a number of negative angiographic studies, such an approach is the only opportunity for salvage in these critically ill patients.