QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
A ventricular thrombus can form as a complication of an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but this is unlikely in this patient as her myocardial infarction was four years ago.
10027963
c
Cardiac ventricles
QuestionChoice
Endocarditis is a potential source of emboli in mesenteric ischaemia. In this case, there are no indications of this as an underlying diagnosis. These features might include a fever, Osler's nodes and Roth spots.
10027965
e
Heart valves
QuestionChoice
Deep vein thrombosis typically causes pulmonary embolism, rather than emboli in the mesenteries.
10027964
d
Veins of the leg
QuestionChoice
The most common cause of acute mesenteric ischaemia is atrial fibrillation, which this woman has. This is due to the stasis of blood in the atria which allows a thrombus to form. This can lead to an emboli which can block the blood supply to the mesenteries in the bowel. This is the same process for ischaemic strokes caused by atrial fibrillation.
10027961
a
Cardiac atrium
QuestionChoice
Atherosclerosis in the arteries, such as the abdominal aorta, can create a thrombus which then embolises to a distant site. However, this embolus is more likely to lodge in the peripheries causing acute limb ischameia rather than lodging in the mesenteries.
10027962
b
Abdominal aorta
Concept
Chapter
2693
3714
Atrial fibrillation
Topic
134
Cardiology
17990
A 75-year-old woman presents with severe abdominal pain. It is thought she has acute mesenteric ischaemia. She has a history of diabetes, atrial fibrillation, hypertension and a myocardial infarction four years ago.

What is the most likely origin site of the embolus causing the mesenteric ischaemia?
a