Intestinal Ischemia and Infarction
Alternate Names : Dead Bowel, Dead Gut, Intestinal Necrosis, Ischemic Bowel
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Diagnosis & Tests
Laboratory tests may show an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count (a marker of infection) and increased acid in the bloodstream. A CT scan (special X-ray) of the abdomen may show abnormalities of the intestine.
An angiogram may be obtained. In this study, dye is injected into the arteries that supply the intestine, and X-rays are taken to delineate the location of the arterial blockage. None of these tests is foolproof, however, so sometimes the only sure way to diagnose ischemic bowel is with exploratory surgery.
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