Most common cause of acute superior mesenteric aerial obstruction is: March 2012
Embolism
Thrombosis
Non occlusive ischemia
Atherosclerosis
Ans: A i.e. Embolism Superior mesenteric aerial obstruction An embolus from the hea or aoa to the superior mesenteric aery is responsible for 40-50% of cases of acute small bowel ischemia Thrombosis of underlying atheromatous disease for approximately 25 % and non-occlusive ischemia due to hypotension complicating myocardial infarction, hea failure, arrhythmias or sudden blood loss for approximately 25% of cases of acute small bowel ischemia Chronic mesenteric ischemia results from atherosclerotic stenosis affecting at least two of the celiac axis, superior mesenteric and inferior mesenteric aeries