Learn About Mesenteric Artery Ischemia

What is the definition of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia?

Mesenteric artery ischemia occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage of one or more of the three major arteries that supply the small and large intestines. These are called the mesenteric arteries.

What are the alternative names for Mesenteric Artery Ischemia?

Mesenteric vascular disease; Ischemic colitis; Ischemic bowel - mesenteric; Dead bowel - mesenteric; Dead gut - mesenteric; Atherosclerosis - mesenteric artery; Hardening of the arteries - mesenteric artery; Ischemic necrosis - mesenteric artery

What are the causes of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia?

The arteries that supply blood to the intestines run directly from the aorta. The aorta is the main artery from the heart.

Hardening of the arteries occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries. This is more common in smokers and in people with high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol.

This narrows the blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the intestines. Like every other part of the body, blood brings oxygen to the intestines. When the oxygen supply is reduced, symptoms may occur.

The blood supply to the intestines may be suddenly blocked by a blood clot (embolus). The clots most often come from the heart or aorta. These clots are more commonly seen in people with abnormal heart rhythm.

What are the symptoms of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia?

Symptoms caused by gradual hardening of the mesenteric arteries include:

  • Abdominal pain after eating
  • Diarrhea

Symptoms of sudden (acute) mesenteric artery ischemia due to a traveling blood clot include:

  • Sudden severe abdominal pain or bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Nausea
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What are the current treatments for Mesenteric Artery Ischemia?

When the blood supply is blocked to a part of the heart muscle, the muscle will die. This is called a heart attack. A similar type of injury can occur to any part of the intestines.

When the blood supply is suddenly cut off by a blood clot, it is an emergency. Treatment can include medicines to dissolve the blood clots and open up the arteries.

If you have symptoms due to hardening of the mesenteric arteries, there are things you can do to control the problem:

  • Stop smoking. Smoking narrows the arteries. This decreases the ability of the blood to carry oxygen and increases the risk of forming clots (thrombi and emboli).
  • Make sure your blood pressure is under control.
  • If you are overweight, reduce your weight.
  • If your cholesterol is high, eat a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet.
  • Monitor your blood sugar level if you have diabetes, and keep it under control.

Surgery may be done if the problem is severe.

  • The blockage is removed and the arteries are reconnected to the aorta. A bypass around the blockage is another procedure. It is usually done with a plastic tube graft.
  • Insertion of a stent. A stent may be used as an alternative to surgery to enlarge the blockage in the artery or to deliver medicine directly to the affected area.
  • At times, a portion of your intestine will need to be removed.
Who are the top Mesenteric Artery Ischemia Local Doctors?
Distinguished in Mesenteric Artery Ischemia
Vascular Surgery | General Surgery
Distinguished in Mesenteric Artery Ischemia
Vascular Surgery | General Surgery

Mymichigan Medical Center Midland

4851 E Pickard St, 
Mt Pleasant, MI 
 (23.3 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English, Greek, Polish
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Constantinos Constantinou is a Vascular Surgeon and a General Surgeon in Mt Pleasant, Michigan. Dr. Constantinou and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia. His top areas of expertise are Arterial Insufficiency, Peripheral Artery Disease, Carotid Artery Disease, Arterial Embolism, and Carotid Artery Surgery. Dr. Constantinou is currently accepting new patients.

Advanced in Mesenteric Artery Ischemia
Vascular Surgery | General Surgery
Advanced in Mesenteric Artery Ischemia
Vascular Surgery | General Surgery

Spectrum Health Primary Care Partners

1845 Holton Rd, 
Muskegon, MI 
 (81.2 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Vikram Kashyap is a Vascular Surgeon and a General Surgeon in Muskegon, Michigan. Dr. Kashyap and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia. His top areas of expertise are Carotid Artery Disease, Peripheral Artery Disease, Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Carotid Artery Surgery, and Stent Placement. Dr. Kashyap is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Experienced in Mesenteric Artery Ischemia
Vascular Surgery | General Surgery
Experienced in Mesenteric Artery Ischemia
Vascular Surgery | General Surgery

Ascension Medical Group Promed

1541 Gull Rd, 
Kalamazoo, MI 
 (83.5 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients

James Mclaren is a Vascular Surgeon and a General Surgeon in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dr. Mclaren and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis, Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia, Meige Disease, Carotid Artery Surgery, and Ileostomy. Dr. Mclaren is currently accepting new patients.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Mesenteric Artery Ischemia?

The outlook for chronic mesenteric ischemia is good after a successful surgery. However, it is important to make lifestyle changes to prevent hardening of the arteries from getting worse.

People with hardening of the arteries that supply the intestines often have the same problems in blood vessels that supply the heart, brain, kidneys, or legs.

People with acute mesenteric ischemia often do poorly because parts of the intestine may die before surgery can be done. This can be fatal. However, with prompt diagnosis and treatment, acute mesenteric ischemia can be treated successfully.

What are the possible complications of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia?

Tissue death from lack of blood flow (infarction) in the intestines is the most serious complication of mesenteric artery ischemia. Surgery may be needed to remove the dead portion.

When should I contact a medical professional for Mesenteric Artery Ischemia?

Contact your provider if you have:

  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Frequent abdominal pain after you eat
How do I prevent Mesenteric Artery Ischemia?

The following lifestyle changes can reduce your risk for narrowing of the arteries:

  • Get regular exercise.
  • Follow a healthy diet.
  • Get heart rhythm problems treated.
  • Keep your blood cholesterol and blood sugar under control.
  • Quit smoking.
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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Cameron J. Vascular surgery. In: Cameron J, ed. Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 16.

Conrad MF. Chronic mesenteric ischemia: epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, and management.. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 134.

Feuerstadt P, Brandt LJ. Intestinal ischemia. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 118.

Kahi CJ. Vascular diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 129.

Roline CE, Reardon RF. Small intestine. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 78.