Segmental occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery which caused ischemia of various lengths of the small bowel was produced in 15 dogs. Three additional dogs were used as controls. Acute ischemia of more than 110 cm of the bowel caused infarction and death. Seventy anteroposterior and 45 lateral superior meseenteric angiograms were performed and analyzed. The most constant angiographic finding was stasis of the contrast medium in the involved arteries (stagnation sign). which had prognostic significance. The validity of stagnation should be investigated in patients with acute or chronic bowel ischemia. Demonstration of the site of occlusion (stump sign) was another major finding. Other significant abnormalities were delayed arterial visualization and decreased vascularity in the segment of bowel with maximum ischemia. Gradual return of normal circulation to the involved bowel was demonstrated by follow-up angiograms. The longer the ischemic segment, the longer the recovery time. Absence of stagnation indicated re-establishment of normal circulation.
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