Narrowing of the arteries (blood vessels) that supply the body’s stomach and intestines

There are two types

• Acute mesenteric ischemia- sudden block typically caused by a clot and can be immediately life-threatening.
• Chronic mesenteric ischemia- related to atherosclerosis with a slower onset over many years.

Three main arteries that supply blood to your small and large intestine are known as the Coeliac trunk; Superior Mesenteric Artery and Inferior Mesenteric artery.

• ACUTE – blood clots suddenly block blood flow.
• These clots often originate in the heart and are more common among patients with an irregular heartbeat or heart disease.
• CHRONIC-  atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)slows the amount of blood flowing.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

• Acute – Sudden severe abdominal pain.
• CHRONIC- severe stomach pain 15–60 minutes after eating.
• Pain may last for as long as 2 hours.
• Recur with every meal.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or flatulence.
• Fear of food (Food fright) may develop due to pain.
• Unintentional Weight Loss.

A computed tomography (CT) scan is the test of choice. A CTAngiogram creates detailed three-dimensional images of cross-sections of your body. These images can identify problems with your arteries or with your abdominal organs.

• The goal of treatment -to re-open the artery to allow adequate blood flow to your intestine so it will work properly.
• Must be accomplished before permanent damage is done.

IN ACUTE CASE

1. Usually, an emergency procedure since severe intestinal damage can occur rapidly.
2. Open surgery- to remove the clot and look for damage to the intestines and assess its viability.
3. Clot aspiration- a new minimally invasive modality where the clot is sucked out using negative pressure.
4. Thrombolytic therapy- to dissolve the clot, strong blood thinners are given directly into the artery during an angiogram.

• Minimally invasive endovascular treatment.

• the first-line approach in most instances.

• Balloon angioplasty and stenting.

• Bypass surgery- creates a detour around the narrowed or blocked section of the affected artery. To create the detour, one of your veins or a synthetic tube is used as a graft, sewn-in above and below the blocked area to restore adequate blood flow to your intestines.

1. Follow a heart-healthy diet.
2. Avoid smoking.
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Stay hydrated.
5. Manage chronic medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and heart disease.