Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia induced by digitalis.
BACKGROUND
Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia is a rare but serious disorder with a high mortality rate; causal factors include cardiac glycosides, digoxin, and digitoxin in addition to severe hypotension, decompensated heart failure, and septic shock.


METHODS
We present a patient with digitoxin intoxication who died from autopsy-confirmed ischemic gangrenous colitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the frequent occurrence of intoxication with cardiac glycosides nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia is a rare event. However, it should always be included as a differential diagnosis of diffuse abdominal pain in patients treated with cardiac glycosides.
Weil
Joachim
J
Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum, Universität Regensburg, 93042 Regensburg, Germany. joachim.weil@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
Sen Gupta
Robin
R
Herfarth
Hans
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004074:Digitoxin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005734:Gangrene; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008643:Mesentery / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology*
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004074:Digitoxin