Diagnostic Value of Procalcitonin Levels in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Abstract

Background: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is apotentially fatal disease. Difficulties in diagnosis makeit essential to find early biomarkers. Aims: This study investigated the diagnostic value ofprocalcitonin (PCT) levels in AMI. Study Design: Animal experimentation.Methods: Rats were divided into six groups of six ani- mals each. In the experimental group, an experimentalischemia model was established by clamping the su- perior mesenteric artery from the aortic outflow tract.Blood and tissue specimens were collected from rats inthe experimental mesenteric ischemia model at 30 minand 2 and 6 h, and these were compared with speci- mens from the respective control groups. PCT levelswere compared at 30 min and 2 and 6 h. Results: PCT levels were 185.3 pg/mL in the controlgroup and 219.3 pg/mL in the study group, 199.6 pg/ mL in the control group and 243.9 pg/mL in the studygroup, and 201.9 pg/mL in the control group and 286.9pg/mL in the study group, respectively, at 30 minute, 2and 6 hours. Significant differences were determinedbetween 6-h control group and ischemia group PCTlevels (p=0.005). Conclusion: The absence of a significant increase inPCT levels in the early period, while a significant dif- ference was detected in the later period (6 h), shows thatPCT levels rise late in mesenteric ischemia and can be amarker in the late period.