SAQ 190 – Vascular – mesenteric ischaemia imaging and operative decision

Review Completed

Marked out of 12.00

An 82-year-old woman presents with 10 hours of abdominal pain. Clinical assessment suggests mesenteric ischaemia.

Complete the table with three (3) definitive imaging options and one relevant pro and con for each.

(Marked out of 9.0)

/ 9

Imaging supports mesenteric ischaemia. State three (3) factors that may affect the decision regarding operative treatment.

(Marked out of 3.0)

/ 3

Total Score: 0 / 12

Percentage: 0%

Imaging option	Pro	Con
Contrast CT abdomen / CT angiography	Sensitive for venous thrombosis and may define arterial or venous occlusion and alternative diagnoses.	Contrast nephropathy, allergy, and imperfect sensitivity.
Mesenteric angiography	Gold-standard vascular definition and can be diagnostic and therapeutic.	Invasive, limited availability, and uses radiocontrast.
MRI / MRA	Detailed vascular information and may distinguish embolic from thrombotic disease.	Limited availability, slow, and requires transfer out of the department.