Mesenteric ischemia in the elderly.

Intestinal ischemia is a relatively common disorder in the elderly and, if not treated promptly, still carries a high morbidity and mortality rate. High degree of clinical suspicion is of paramount importance in diagnosis, because there is no specific laboratory test available and physical examination findings may be subtle. Once the diagnosis is made, management relies on early resuscitation, identification, and treatment of the predisposing conditions, along with careful planning of the therapeutic invasive interventions, which altogether may help reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with this condition.