A 75-year-old male is hospitalized for bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain after meals. Endoscopic work-up and CT scan lead the attending physician to diagnose ischemic colitis at the splenic flexure. Which of the following would most likely predispose this patient to ischemic colitis:
AJuxtaglomerular cell tumor
BHyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism secondary to type II diabetes mellitus
CObstruction of the abdominal aorta following surgery
DEssential hypertension
EIncreased splanchnic blood flow following a large meal
A 38-year-old man arrives at the emergency department with severe periumbilical, colicky pain and abdominal distention for the past 2 days. He is nauseated and reports vomiting light-green emesis 8 times since yesterday morning. He has not had a bowel movement or passed any gas for the past 3 days. He has a past medical history of ventral hernia repair 5 years ago. His heart rate is 110/min, respiratory rate is 24/min, temperature is 38.0°C (100.4°F), and blood pressure is 120/90 mm Hg. The abdomen is distended and mildly tender to deep palpation. Bowel sounds are high-pitched and tinkling. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
AViral gastroenteritis
BCholecystitis
CSmall bowel obstruction
DDiverticulitis
ECrohn's disease
A 32-year-old man comes to the emergency department because of recurrent episodes of vomiting for 1 day. He has had over 15 episodes of bilious vomiting. During this period he has had cramping abdominal pain but has not had a bowel movement or passed flatus. He does not have fever or diarrhea. He was diagnosed with Crohn disease at the age of 28 years which has been well controlled with oral mesalamine. He underwent a partial small bowel resection for midgut volvulus at birth. His other medications include vitamin B12, folic acid, loperamide, ferrous sulfate, and vitamin D3. He appears uncomfortable and his lips are parched. His temperature is 37.1°C (99.3°F), pulse is 103/min, and blood pressure is 104/70 mm Hg. The abdomen is distended, tympanitic, and tender to palpation over the periumbilical area and the right lower quadrant. Rectal examination is unremarkable. A CT scan of the abdomen shows multiple dilated loops of small bowel with a transition zone in the mid to distal ileum. After 24 hours of conservative management with IV fluid resuscitation, nasogastric bowel decompression, promethazine, and analgesia, his condition does not improve and a laparotomy is scheduled. During the laparotomy, two discrete strictures are noted in the mid-ileum, around 20 cm apart. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
ASmall bowel resection with ileostomy
BAbdominal closure and start palliative care
CSmall bowel resection and primary anastomosis
DStrictureplasty of individual strictures
EIleocolectomy
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