Diagnosis and management of intestinal ischaemic disorders.

Acute or chronic abdominal pain can be the result of many different pathophysiological processes. Many presentations are due to benign processes, whereas others may be life threatening if not recognised swiftly. Among the many possible causes, clinicians need to consider the possibility of intestinal ischaemic disorders. The variable vessels involved, location of bowel affected, and different levels of acuity of illness all result in multiple possible presentations. The detection of such a serious condition can be a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. This review aims to help clinicians to understand the features and management of acute and chronic mesenteric ischaemia, mesenteric venous thrombosis, and ischaemic colitis.