Mesenteric ischemia is a generic term referring to hypoperfusion of the intestines. It can be either acute or chronic and is caused by several different etiologies. It is a rare but life-threatening vascular emergency, occurring with increasing frequency (0.1% of all hospital admissions) and with mortality rates between 60% and 80%. It affects primarily those older than 50 years with systemic and cardiovascular disease. The acute form is more common and results in rapid intestinal ischemia, infarction/necrosis, sepsis and death. Splanchnic vascular insufficiency in chronic ischemia can also threaten bowel viability.