Acute Mesenteric Ischaemia: Imaging and Intervention

Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is an umbrella term for several processes that result in a critical reduction in blood flow to the bowel. It is associated with a high mortality rate, thus rapid diagnosis and definitive treatment are vital if the patient is to have a good outcome. This chapter will outline the causes of AMI and explain the crucial role imaging plays in diagnosis and treatment planning. It highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach to reduce time to reperfusion. Treatment strategies available in these high-risk patients are explored, with particular emphasis on the role of endovascular techniques as an alternative or adjunct to high-risk surgical procedures.