Nonocclusive Hemorrhagic Necrosis of the Intestine

Hemorrhagic intestinal necrosis occurs without demonstrable mechanical obstruction of the mesenteric vascular supply. The etiologic factors include (1) congestive heart failure, (2) cardiac arrhythmia, (3) dehydration, and (4) digitalis therapy with or without digitalis toxicity. All of these factors have been shown to result in a decrease in splanchnic blood flow. The outcome of this disease has invariably been fatal. Early recognition and nonoperative management directed toward increasing splanchnic blood flow are the most significant factors in the survival of patients.