A new provocative test for chronic mesenteric ischemia
Boley, S.J.; Brandt, L.J.; Veith, F.J.; Kosches, D.; Sales, C.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 86(7): 888-891
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 2058633 Document Number: 375675
A new provocative test for chronic mesenteric ischemia is described, based upon the demonstration of a fall in the intramural pH of the small bowel after introduction of a test meal into the stomach. Intramural pH (pHI) is determined indirectly by tonometry, utilizing a tonometer passed per os. Postoperative assessment of revascularization procedures is also possible by the same technique. Application of the test in an 84-yr-old woman showed good correlation between a preoperative fall in jejunal intramural pH and abdominal pain, and the absence of a fall postoperatively after successful revascularization.