In which etiology of acute abdomen does blood gas analysis (including lactate) have utility?
The measurement of base excess (BE), pH, and serum lactic acid level has utility in the diagnosis of shock and intestinal ischemia, and it is
commonly performed in patients with high levels of clinical suspicion (level 2, recommendation B)
However, serum lactate levels may not be increased in cases of early intestinal ischemia or volvulus