CHRONIC DIGESTIVE-TRACT ISCHEMIA - A REVI EW OF 5 CASES

Th main etiologies and pathologic features of chronic digestive tract ischemia are reviewed, and modern diagnostic tools are discussed with reference to five cases. Doppler ultrasonography is a key investigatio n. Arteriography via the femoral artery according to Seldinger is ofte n needed. Magnetic resonance imaging has yielded promising results. Th erapeutic indications and the main surgical techniques are described b riefly. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is of little assistance in this infrequent condition, which is often characterized by diffuse ostial lesions since the diagnosis is rarely established at an early s tage.