Mesenteric Ischemia 

What are the symptoms of mesenteric ischemia?

Some of the common symptoms are belly pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, feeling of “bloating”.

What are the risk factors?

Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterols level, advanced age.

What are the treatment options?

It depends on the acuity of the presentation and the type of mesenteric ischemia. However, management of risks factors such as smoking, high cholesterol level, diabetes is done by your PCP in a non- acute setting. You may need open surgery to repair or bypass affected blood vessels. Endovascular repair consists of stent placement in the affected blood vessel.

What can happen if mesenteric ischemia left untreated?

• Mesenteric ischemia is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention.
• This can rapidly lead to small bowel damage that may require bowel resection. This is a life threatening condition if not treated appropriately in a timely manner.
  

What is mesenteric ischemia?

It’s a blockage of blood flow to your gut, mainly your small bowels causing significant belly pain.

There is an acute mesenteric ischemia which is caused by a sudden blockage and it is a life-threatening condition that needs medical attention emergently, and chronic mesenteric ischemia that is caused by a gradual reduction of blood flow to your small bowels. Acute or chronic mesenteric ischemia can cause irreversible damage to your small bowels and lead to life-threatening complications.