Mesenteric Ischemia (mesenteric artery stenosis)
Mesenteric artery stenosis is the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the intestines. These arteries are called the mesenteric arteries.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of mesenteric artery stenosis?
Some people may not have symptoms. But if the narrowing gets worse, symptoms may include:
- Pain in the belly after eating.
- Weight loss.
- Nausea, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding.
If blood flow is very limited or suddenly blocked, such as by a blood clot, the intestines won't get enough blood. This can cause serious damage. It's an emergency. The main symptom is severe belly pain that has no clear cause and that doesn't go away.
Causes
What causes mesenteric artery stenosis?
It's almost always caused by a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. This is often called "hardening of the arteries," or atherosclerosis. The buildup can narrow the arteries and reduce or block blood flow to the intestines.
Diagnosis
How is mesenteric artery stenosis diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam. He or she will order lab tests and ask about your and your family's past health.
If your doctor thinks that you may have mesenteric artery stenosis, you may have a test that lets your doctor look at a picture of your arteries. Tests that can do this include:
- A duplex Doppler ultrasound.
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This test uses sound waves to show how blood flows through a blood vessel.
- A computed tomography (CT) angiogram.
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This test uses X-rays and a special dye to make very detailed pictures of the arteries.
- A magnetic resonance angiogram.
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It uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the mesenteric arteries.
- A catheter angiogram.
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It uses X-rays to make pictures of the blood flow in a blood vessel, such as an artery.
Treatment
How is mesenteric artery stenosis treated?
People who don't have symptoms usually don't need treatment. A heart-healthy lifestyle may help. But if you start to have symptoms, tell your doctor. Symptoms can mean that the narrowing of your arteries has gotten worse and needs treatment. Angioplasty or surgery may be used to improve blood flow.
When to Call
Mesenteric artery stenosis: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have sudden, severe belly pain that doesn't go away.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You start to have symptoms, such as:
- Belly pain after you eat.
- Weight loss.
- Nausea and diarrhea.
- Rectal bleeding.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Self-Care
How can you care for yourself when you have mesenteric artery stenosis?
Caring for yourself means doing things that will help slow the condition or keep it from getting worse. For instance, take your medicines. Don't smoke. Eat heart-healthy foods, and be active. And manage other health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.