Diagnosis and management of acute mesenteric ischemia in the emergency department.

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a rare but potentially catastrophic condition, and survival is highly dependent on timely diagnosis in the emergency department. Symptoms can be both variable and subtle. Laboratory studies may be misleading and may provide either false reassurance or misdirection. This review includes evidence-based recommendations on the recognition of the 4 separate types of acute mesenteric ischemia, current guidelines on the diagnostic approach, and essential resuscitative steps that should be initiated in the emergency department.