Intestinal ischemia as the first manifestation of vasculitis

OBJECTIVE: To summarize current knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal vasculitis. METHODS: Three cases of gastrointestinal vasculitis with acute abdominal ischemia as their first manifestation are presented. Underlying diseases were microscopic polyangiitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). Relevant English-language articles collected from the PubMed database were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the angiitides, PAN, SLE, and Henoch-Sch?nlein are those most commonly accompanied by gastrointestinal complications. Intestinal vasculitis usually occurs when there is evidence of generalized disease activity. Abdominal computerized tomography is a valuable tool for diagnosing intestinal ischemia and suspected vasculitis. CONCLUSIONS: In young patients presenting with intestinal ischemia, it is essential to assess the possibility of an underlying systemic disease. With prompt initiation of immunosuppressive treatment, surgery may be avoided. Prognosis is improved when there is minimal delay in surgical intervention.