An acute, self-limited compromise in intestinal blood flow which is inadequate for meeting the metabolic demands of a region of the colon is the underlying pathophysiology[3]. Colonic blood flow may be compromised by changes in the systemic circulation or by anatomic or functional changes in the local mesenteric vasculature. The original insult precipitating the ischemic event often cannot be established, but frequently occurs in the elderly patient with diffuse disease in small segmental vessels and various co-morbidities. Approximately 90% of cases of colonic ischemia occur in patients over 60 years of age although younger patients may also be affected[4].
IC presents either as an occlusive or a non-occlusive form. In most cases no specific occlusive lesion is recognized on angiography, and patients are referred to as suffering from non-occlusive colon ischemia.