INTESTINAL ISCHEMIA RESULTING FROM BUERGERS-DISEASE - REPORT OF A CASE

A 42-year-old man who had undergone below-the-knee amputations for Bue rger's disease 9 and 14 years earlier required emergency surgery for i ntestinal ischemia caused by arterial occlusive lesions in the mesente ry. The cecum and proximal part of the ascending colon were resected, and marked hyperemic thickening of the wall and severe fibrous adhesio ns were found. Postoperative angiography revealed occlusions in the su perior mesenteric and right external iliac arteries. The resected spec imen showed mucosal necrosis of the cecum and circular ulcers at Bauhi n's valve and at the ascending colon. Microscopically, small mesenteri c vessels were occluded by organized and recanalized thrombi with pres erved vascular architecture. The patient has remained free of any furt her intestinal symptoms for 1 year following his discharge from hospit al.