Acute mesenteric ischemia in patients diagnosed with COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the increased incidence of acute mesenteric ischemia in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as its management. Bibliographic review: COVID-19 is characterized by coagulopathy, interfering with the release of inflammatory mediators that trigger a state of hypercoagulability, considerably increasing the risk of thrombosis and, consequently, of mesenteric ischemia with regard to the gastrointestinal tract. Acute Mesenteric Ischemia (AMI) triggers severe abdominal pain and is considered an emergency because it is potentially fatal, especially for patients with risk factors such as advanced age, male gender, obesity, among others. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential to ensure a good prognosis and to avoid surgical intervention for intestinal resection. Appropriate management involves revascularization of the affected organ, as well as reversal of the coagulopathy and improvement of the patient's general condition. Final considerations: There was an increase in cases of AMI during the pandemic, notably in patients with previous comorbidities, revealing the importance of prior diagnosis and adequate management to avoid loss of part of the affected intestine, which affects the patient's quality of life.