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Mesenteric ischemia (is-KE-me-uh) is a chronic condition caused by poor blood supply to your intestines. It results from narrowing in one or more of the arteries supplying blood to your intestines (visceral arteries). It also can occur suddenly as a result of a blood clot severely restricting blood flow (acute mesenteric ischemia). Lack of oxygen-rich blood can permanently damage your intestines. You may experience sudden abdominal pain and, less often, bloody stools. This situation requires immediate medical care.
Chronic mesenteric ischemia occurs gradually as the main visceral arteries narrow. You may develop pain after eating, lose weight or develop a fear of eating caused by fear of stomach pain.
Mayo Clinic brings together the expertise of doctors who treat blood and lymph vessel disorders (vascular surgeons), radiologists who perform medical procedures (interventional radiologists) and doctors who treat heart disease (cardiologists) to diagnose and treat mesenteric ischemia. This collaborative approach ensures that you receive a thorough evaluation and the treatment that's most appropriate for you. Doctors at Mayo Clinic diagnose and treat mesenteric ischemia using several types of surgery.
Read more about intestinal ischemia at www.MayoClinic.com.
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