Key result
Plain abdominal radiography shows only 54% sensitivity for diagnosing mesenteric ischaemia in post-cardiothoracic ICU patients.
Why the study?
Clinical, biochemical, haematological tests and plain abdominal radiography do not reliably diagnose mesenteric ischaemia in post-cardiothoracic ICU patients, necessitating evaluation of diagnostic characteristics and outcomes.
What are the diagnostic characteristics and outcomes of suspected mesenteric ischaemia following cardiac surgery?
Observational (n=28)
What are the diagnostic characteristics and outcomes of suspected mesenteric ischaemia following cardiac surgery?
Effect estimate: Sensitivity 54%, specificity 100%
Absolute Event Rate: 53.8% vs 0%
p-value: p=0.05
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Mesenteric ischaemia following cardiac surgery carries a high mortality (76%), and since routine investigations are unreliable, early laparotomy is recommended when clinically suspected.
Edwards et al. (2005) conducted an observational in Suspected mesenteric ischaemia following cardiac surgery (n=28). Confirmed mesenteric ischaemia vs. Suspected but negative mesenteric ischaemia was evaluated on Positive plain abdominal radiograph (Sensitivity 54%, specificity 100%, p=0.05). Plain abdominal radiography does not reliably diagnose mesenteric ischaemia in post-cardiothoracic ICU patients, demonstrating only 54% sensitivity despite 100% specificity (P=0.05).
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