Learn About 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.
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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.
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
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.
Texas Health Vascular Surgical Specialists
Charles West, M.D., is a vascular surgeon with nearly two decades of medical experience. His work includes research in thoracic oncology, teaching and practicing vascular surgery. Dr. West currently serves as Associate Professor of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery – Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and as Professor of Surgery at the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.While at Baylor College of Medicine, West was dedicated to providing a full spectrum of diagnostic evaluations and interventional treatments for problems with arterial and venous blood flow in the lower extremities, including problems with walking and wound healing related to reduced blood flow. He is skilled in the use of the latest operative and minimally invasive endovascular therapies, taking a conservative approach to treatment whenever possible.West is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Vascular Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. West earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University's School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed a National Institute of Health research fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass. He received his general surgery training at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham before completing a vascular surgery fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.West specializes in diseases of the aorta, aortic aneurysms and aortic graft infections, aortic reconstruction/repair, deep vein thrombosis and varicose vein treatments, endovascular procedures for aneurysms and occlusive diseases, carotid artery disease and peripheral artery disease. Additionally, he has a particular interest in the treatment of patients with thoracic outlet syndrome and celiac compression syndrome. Dr. West is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia. His top areas of expertise are Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS), Arterial Insufficiency, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Carotid Artery Surgery, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Bassett Medical Center
. Dr. Cooper is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia. His top areas of expertise are Carotid Artery Disease, Arterial Insufficiency, Peripheral Artery Disease, Carotid Artery Surgery, and Splenectomy.
Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Surgery Pineville
Gregory Stanley is a General Surgeon and a Vascular Surgeon in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Stanley is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia. His top areas of expertise are Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Peripheral Artery Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Thrombectomy, and Carotid Artery Surgery. Dr. Stanley is currently accepting new patients.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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