Low Threshold for Laparoscopic Exploration in Dementia Patients With Unexplained Abdominal Pain and Risk Factors for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is associated with a high mortality and morbidity. There are limited studies on the presentation and management of elderly dementia patients with AMI. The following case of an 88-year-old female with dementia presenting with AMI highlights the challenges in the care of elderly dementia patients with AMI, the importance of identifying risk factors and hallmarks of acute mesenteric ischemia early in the clinical course, and suggests that aggressive workup with diagnostic laparoscopy is crucial to timely diagnosis and effective care.