K55.06

Clinical Causes: Blood clots blocking arteries or veins supplying the intestine Arterial embolism originating from other parts of the body Venous thrombosis leading to impaired blood drainage Severe atherosclerosis narrowing the blood vessels Low blood flow states due to shock or heart failure Intestinal volvulus (twisting of the intestine) Serious infections causing blood vessel inflammation Blood disorders affecting clot formation

Key Symptoms: Sudden, severe abdominal pain Abdominal tenderness and rigidity Nausea and vomiting Bloody stools or rectal bleeding Signs of shock such as rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and sweating Fever and general malaise Distended abdomen Elevated white blood cell count

Diagnosis Path: Effective diagnosis involves a combination of clinical assessment and diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers may perform the following to confirm the diagnosis: - Physical examination to assess tenderness and signs of peritonitis - Blood tests to detect infection, elevated white cells, or metabolic disturbances - Imaging studies such as abdominal X-rays to look for gas patterns - Contrast-enhanced CT scans to identify areas of reduced blood flow or tissue necrosis - Angiography to visualize blood vessels and identify blockages or clots - Surgical exploration, if necessary, to directly observe the extent of intestinal damage

Treatment Protocols: Immediate medical treatment is essential to manage acute intestinal infarction. Typical approaches include: - Surgical intervention to remove necrotic tissue and restore blood flow - Administration of IV fluids and electrolytes to stabilize blood pressure and hydration - Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent or treat infection - Anticoagulation therapy to prevent further clot formation - Supportive care, including pain management and monitoring in an intensive care setting Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of severe complications or death.