Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia Is a Potentially Lethal Complication Just after Stroke Onset: Report of Six Case Studies

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a rare but life-threatening post-stroke complication. This is the first case series report of NOMI after stroke, describing its characteristics and the difficulty of diagnosis. We retrospectively reviewed 367 stroke patients from April 2018 to May 2019 in our hospital. We identified six patients (1.6%) with NOMI after stroke and described their clinical presentation, including characteristics, vital signs, laboratory parameters, treatment, and outcomes. The mean interval between stroke onset and diagnosis of NOMI was 4.6 days (range, 3–10 days). Five patients had disturbance of consciousness caused by stroke, and therefore the major complaints and symptoms associated with NOMI were nonspecific, possibly resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. All patients had a high respiratory rate (≥22 breaths/min). C-reactive protein and lactate levels were high (mean, 21.6 mg/L and 2.4 mmol/L, respectively). All patients underwent emergent abdominal operations. Four patients were discharged with modified Rankin Scale scores ≥4, and two patients died. NOMI can be a fatal post-stroke complication and is challenging to diagnose. Further investigations should be conducted to determine the most efficient way to diagnose NOMI after stroke.