A case of non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia caused by pelvic fracture due to fall trauma

BACKGROUND: Non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia (NOMI) is a condition in which intestinal ischaemia arises due to spasms of peripheral blood vessels; however, there is no obstruction of the main arteries. Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, and increasing age, but the traumatic injury triggering NOMI onset is rarely reported. We report a case of NOMI caused by a pelvic fracture due to a fall injury. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old man was transported to the hospital due to a fall injury. CT revealed a pelvic fracture and a haematoma in the pelvic extraperitoneal space. The next day, the patient developed shock, and CT revealed an increase in haematoma size. Both internal iliac arteries were embolized by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). The next day’s CT revealed intestinal necrosis of the ascending colon, and emergency surgery was planned. During surgery, necrosis was identified in the serosa of the ascending, transverse, and sigmoid colon. We performed subtotal excision from the ascending colon to the sigmoid colon. On postoperative day 10, melena was observed, and CT revealed partial thickening of the small intestine and a decrease in the contrast effect. Considering the post-total colectomy and general condition, we proceeded with conservative treatment. Over time, the patient developed liver and renal dysfunction and died 16 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We experienced a case of NOMI caused by bleeding from a pelvic fracture. It is important to keep in mind the risk of developing NOMI in traumatic bleeding to avoid missing this diagnosis.