The pathogenesis of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia: implications for research and clinical practice
Open accessAbstract
Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a condition that can encompass ischemia, inflammation, and infarction of the intestinal wall. In contrast to most patients with acute mesenteric ischemia, NOMI is distinguished by patent arteries and veins. The clinical presentation of NOMI is often insidious and nonspecific, resulting in a delayed diagnosis. Patients most at risk are those with severe acute and critical disease, including major surgery and trauma. Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia is part of a spectrum, from mild, asymptomatic, and an unexpected finding on CT scanning, through to those exhibiting abdominal distension and peritonitis. Severe NOMI is associated with a significant mortality rate. This review of NOMI pathophysiology was conducted to document current concepts and evidence, to examine the implications for diagnosis and treatment, and to identify gaps in knowledge that might direct future research. The key pathologic mechanisms involved in the genesis of NOMI represent an exaggerated normal physiological response to maintain perfusion of vital organs at the expense of mesenteric perfusion. A supply-demand mismatch develops in the intestine due to the development of persistent mesenteric vasoconstriction resulting in reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the intestine, particularly to the vulnerable superficial mucosa. This mismatch can be exacerbated by raised intra-abdominal pressure, enteral nutrition, and the use of certain vasoactive drugs, ultimately resulting in the development of intestinal ischemia. Strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment are urgently needed.
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Non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia typically occurs in patients in the ICU or cardiac care unit.
“Patients with non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia (NOMI) typically come from the ICU or cardiac care unit11–13.”
From Acute mesenteric ischaemia (2023) · cites this paper as [12]
NOMI is a result of hypoperfusion (from sepsis, shock, cardiac failure) and use of vasoconstrictors.
“NOMI is a result of hypoperfusion (from sepsis, shock, cardiac failure) and use of vasoconstrictors (Fig. 1c).”
From Acute mesenteric ischaemia (2023) · cites this paper as [12]
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- Authors
- Al-Diery, H., Phillips, A., Evennett, N., Pandanaboyana, S., Gilham, M., & Windsor, J. A.
- Affiliations
- University of Auckland (NZ)
- Auckland City Hospital (NZ)
- Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
- Corresponding author
- Windsor, John A.
- Venue
- Journal of Intensive Care Medicine
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2018-07-23
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 771-781
- ISSN
- 0885-0666 (ISSN-L)
- 1525-1489
- OpenAlex
- W2884699585
- Cited by
- 117
- References
- 58
- Citations by year
- 2026: 11 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 18 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 27 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 4
- FWCI
- 1.77
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- doi.org
- Locations
- Journal of Intensive Care Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Newcastle University ePrints (Newcastle Univesity)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Abdominal vascular conditions and treatments
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Intestinal and Peritoneal Adhesions
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Abdominal Surgery and Complications
- Keywords
- nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia, intestinal ischemia, mesenteric vasoconstriction, supply and demand imbalance, mesenteric blood flow, intra-abdominal pressure, enteral nutrition, vasoactive drugs, peritonitis, delayed diagnosis, critical illness
- MeSH terms
- Critical Care, Enteral Nutrition, Humans, Intestines, Mesenteric Arteries, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Angiography, Digital Subtraction, Survival Rate, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Evidence-Based Medicine, Mesenteric Ischemia
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