Mesenteric Ischemia
What is it?
The mesenteric arteries are the three major arteries that supply blood to the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The word “ischemia” means decrease in oxygen supply. Mesenteric ischemia is a condition in which the mesenteric arteries do not deliver enough blood and oxygen to the small and large intestines. This makes it difficult for the intestines to digest food and can cause segments of the intestine to die.
Who gets it?
People with diseases of the arteries are more likely to develop mesenteric ischemia. It is also more common in people who smoke and in those with high
cholesterol.
What causes it?
Mesenteric ischemia is caused by the narrowing or blockage (atherosclerosis) of one or more of the three mesenteric arteries. It can also be caused by a blood clot that travels through the bloodstream and blocks one of the mesenteric arteries. A blood clot that breaks away and travels through the bloodstream is called an embolus. This type of acute mesenteric ischemia is life threatening because the blood flow to the intestine is cut off completely, which can cause the intestine to die if not treated immediately.
What are the symptoms?
Chronic mesenteric ischemia occurs gradually. There often are no symptoms until two of the three arteries are narrowed or blocked. Usually the patient will feel severe abdominal pain in the area of the navel around 30 to 60 minutes after eating. Because of the pain the patient may refuse to eat, which results in poor nutrition and weight loss. Other symptoms might include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Acute mesenteric ischemia causes sudden, severe abdominal pain, often with vomiting and diarrhea.
How is it diagnosed?
The symptoms of mesenteric ischemia are common to many other conditions, so laboratory tests are extremely important in its diagnosis. Blood tests may show an elevated white blood cell count. With acute mesenteric ischemia, blood tests may reveal acidosis, a condition in which the blood has too much acid. The doctor may also order an arteriogram, in which a special dye is injected into the mesenteric arteries. The dye will show any narrow or blocked areas on an x-ray. A computed tomography (CT) scan may also show abnormalities in this area.
What is the treatment?
Chronic mesenteric ischemia is usually treated with surgery. The narrow or blocked portion of the arteries may be removed and the arteries are then reconnected to the aorta. Or, the blocked part of the artery may be bypassed, with a piece of vein or a plastic tube. Acute mesenteric ischemia is treated with emergency surgery. It is extremely important to restore the blood supply to the intestine as quickly as possible by removing the blockage from the artery. Portions of the intestine may have to be removed if the lack of blood has caused any of the tissue to die.
Self-care tips
With surgery and lifestyle changes, patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia can have a full recovery. Lifestyle changes include not smoking, following a healthy diet, exercising, and keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control. The outlook for patients with acute mesenteric ischemia depends upon how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
