Which of the following can cause intestinal infarction?

• A. Arteriosclerosis
• B. Thrombi/emboli
• C. Strangulated intestine
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Intestinal infarction happens when blood flow to a segment of bowel is disrupted long enough to cause tissue death. Arteriosclerosis narrows the mesenteric arteries, reducing baseline perfusion and making the bowel more susceptible to ischemia. A thrombus or embolus can acutely block a mesenteric vessel, abruptly stopping blood supply to a portion of the intestine. A strangulated intestine—from a hernia, volvulus, or torsion—cuts off both arterial inflow and venous outflow, leading to rapid ischemia and infarction. Because each mechanism can terminate perfusion to bowel tissue, all of these can cause intestinal infarction.