Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α in chronic gastrointestinal ischemia.

Chronic gastrointestinal ischemia (CGI) is the result of decreased mucosal perfusion. Typical histological characteristics are lacking which hamper its early diagnosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is expressed under acute hypoxia.

Use of visible light spectroscopy to diagnose chronic gastrointestinal ischemia and predict response to treatment.

Background & Aims: Chronic gastrointestinal ischemia (CGI) is more common than previously thought. Visible light spectroscopy (VLS) allows for noninvasive measurements of mucosal capillary hemoglobin oxygen saturation during endoscopy. We evaluated the response of patients with occlusive CGI to treatment after evaluation by radiologic imaging of the vasculature and VLS.

Combining radiological imaging and gastrointestinal tonometry: a minimal invasive and useful approach for the workup of chronic gastrointestinal ischemia.

Background: The established approach for patients suspected of chronic gastrointestinal ischemia (CGI) includes assessment of medical history, vascular imaging, such as by digital subtraction angiography, and, more recently, computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography. Mucosal perfusion assessment techniques have recently been shown to be of additional diagnostic value, including visible light spectroscopy and gastric exercise tonometry. Gastric exercise tonometry, however, is cumbersome and impossible to perform in a considerable proportion of patients.

Patients with chronic gastrointestinal ischemia have a higher cardiovascular disease risk and mortality.

Objectives: We determined the prevalence of classical risk factors for atherosclerosis and mortality risk in patients with CGI.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted. Patients referred with suspected CGI underwent a standard work-up including risk factors for atherosclerosis, radiological imaging of abdominal vessels and tonometry.

Endoscopic visible light spectroscopy: a new, minimally invasive technique to diagnose chronic GI ischemia.

Background: The diagnosis of chronic GI ischemia (CGI) remains a clinical challenge. Currently, there is no single simple test with high sensitivity available. Visible light spectroscopy (VLS) is a new technique that noninvasively measures mucosal oxygen saturation during endoscopy.

Radiological imaging and gastrointestinal tonometry add value in diagnosis of chronic gastrointestinal ischemia.

Background & Aims: The diagnosis of chronic gastrointestinal ischemia (CGI) remains a clinical challenge. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of clinical features, visualization of the gastrointestinal arteries, and evaluation of mucosal perfusion in patients clinically suspected of CGI.

Methods: A total of 186 patients referred for suspicion of CGI were prospectively included and followed up.