Mesenteric Artery Disease
 
  Mesenteric Ischemia

The mesenteric arteries supply blood to the large and small intestines. Ischemia occurs when the blood cannot flow through the arteries as it should, and the intestines do not receive the necessary oxygen to perform normally.

Mesenteric ischemia occurs when one of more of the mesenteric arteries narrows or becomes blocked. When a blockage occurs, you may experience severe abdominal pain. Over time, often rapidly, the blockage causes the intestinal tissues to die due to lack of blood flow.

Symptoms of Mesenteric Ischemia

Severe abdominal pain may be experienced 15-60 minutes after eating in patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia. The pain may occur in any part of the abdomen and may last for as long as 60 to 90 minutes. Unfortunately, it tends to return the next time you eat. Other symptoms that may occur include:

    * Diarrhea
    * Nausea
    * Vomiting
    * Flatulence
    * Constipation

With acute mesenteric ischemia, you may experience sudden, severe abdominal pain which may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

What Causes Mesenteric Ischemia?

Atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque in the arteries) is a common cause of mesenteric ischemia. As the plaque builds up, your arteries can narrow and stiffen. Eventually, enough plaque builds up to reduce blood flow through the arteries.

Embolus, or a blood clot, which travels to one of the mesenteric arteries and suddenly blocks the blood flow is another common cause of mesenteric ischemia.

    * Other causes leading to mesenteric ischemia include:
    * Coagulation Disorders
    * Low blood pressure
    * Congestive heart failure
    * Aortic dissection
    * Blockage of the veins in the bowel

Endovascular Treatment

Angioplasty and stenting is one method of treatment used to restore the blood flow. In an angioplasty procedure, the surgeon inflates a small balloon inside the narrowed artery to widen to artery. The surgeon may also insert a stent, which is a tiny metallic mesh tube that can support your artery’s walls to keep your vessel wide open.



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