Contents
Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: The Silent Gut Killer You Need to Know About
Published: Aug 30, 2024
Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a serious condition where blood flow to the intestines is reduced, often due to narrowed arteries. This article explains what it is, how it's diagnosed, and treatment options.
What Causes Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia?
The main culprit behind chronic mesenteric ischemia is atherosclerosis - the buildup of plaque in arteries. This narrows the blood vessels supplying the intestines, reducing blood flow. It's like a traffic jam in your gut's highway system. Other less common causes include fibromuscular dysplasia, blood vessel inflammation, or complications from aortic surgery.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The hallmark symptom is abdominal pain after eating, often called 'intestinal angina'. Imagine your gut crying out for more blood flow during digestion. Other signs include weight loss, fear of eating, and changes in bowel habits. These symptoms develop slowly, sometimes taking months to appear, making diagnosis tricky.
Diagnosis: Piecing Together the Puzzle
Doctors use a combination of clinical symptoms and imaging tests to diagnose chronic mesenteric ischemia. CT angiography is the go-to test, providing detailed images of the blood vessels. It's like getting a roadmap of your gut's circulation. Other tools include MRI, ultrasound, and sometimes invasive angiography.
Treatment: Restoring the Flow
Treatment aims to improve blood flow to the intestines. This can be done through minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stenting, or open surgery to bypass blocked arteries. Think of it as either clearing the traffic jam or building a new highway. The choice depends on the patient's overall health and the extent of the blockage.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's relatively rare, affecting mostly older adults with risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Yes, quitting smoking and managing conditions like high blood pressure can slow progression.
It can lead to severe malnutrition, acute intestinal ischemia, or even bowel death.
Most patients experience significant symptom relief after revascularization procedures.
Yes, both often stem from atherosclerosis affecting different arteries.
The Bottom Line
Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a serious but treatable condition that requires prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications.
References
- Oderich GS. Current concepts in the management of chronic mesenteric ischemia. Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med 2010; 12:117.
- Zeller T, Rastan A, Sixt S. Chronic atherosclerotic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Vasc Med 2010; 15:333.
- Huber TS, Björck M, Chandra A, et al. Chronic mesenteric ischemia: Clinical practice guidelines from the Society for Vascular Surgery. J Vasc Surg 2021; 73:87S.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?