It is considered a medical emergency because it can quickly result in life-threatening infection and death.

[1] Any cause of bowel ischemia, the earlier reversible form of injury, may ultimately lead to infarction if uncorrected.

Types of mesenteric ischemia are generally separated into acute and chronic processes, because this helps determine treatment and prognosis.

The condition may be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms may resemble those of other bowel disorders.

[1] Patients who have undergone extensive resection of the small bowel may develop malabsorption, indicating the need for dietary supplements.