Incidence of acute thrombo-embolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery--a population-based study

Summary, in English

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of acute thrombo-embolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (AOSMA) in a population-based study. MATERIAL: All clinical (n=23,446) and forensic (n=7569) autopsies performed in the city of Malmo between 1970 and 1982 (population 264,000-230,000 inhabitants). The autopsy rate was 87%. METHODS: Calculation of the incidence of AOSMA with intestinal gangrene in those autopsies coded for bowel ischaemia (997/23,446 clinical and 9/7569 forensic autopsies). The operative procedures performed in 1970, 1976 and 1982 were also analysed. RESULTS: Two forensic and 211 clinical autopsies demonstrated AOSMA with intestinal gangrene. Previous suspicion of intestinal ischaemia was noted in only 33%. Sixteen patients were operated. The cause-specific mortality was 6.0/1000 deaths. The incidence was 8.6/100,000 person years, increasing exponentially with age (p<0.001). Mortality was 93%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and mortality of AOSMA is higher than previously reported from clinical series. There is seldom any suspicion of the diagnosis prior to death.

• Author: Stefan Acosta; M Ögren; Nils Sternby; D Bergqvist; M Bjorck
• Department/s: Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö; Pathology, Malmö
• Publishing year: 2004
• Language: English
• Pages: 145-150
• Publication/Series: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 2
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejvs.2003.11.003
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Topic: Surgery
• Status: Published
• Research group: Pathology, Malmö
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1532-2165