Mesenteric artery ischemia is a narrowing or blockage of one or more of the three mesenteric arteries, which are the major arteries supplying the small and large intestines.

Mesenteric Vascular Disease

Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the intestine causes mesenteric ischemia. These arteries that supply blood to this area run directly from the aorta, the main artery from the heart.

Mesenteric artery ischemia is often seen in those with hardening of the arteries elsewhere in the body, such as that associated with coronary artery disease or peripheral vascular disease. The condition is more common in smokers and in patients with high cholesterol.

Mesenteric ischemia may also be caused by a blood clot (embolus) that moves through the blood and suddenly blocks one of the mesenteric arteries. The clots usually come from the heart or the aorta. These clots are more commonly seen in patients with heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.

Chronic (long-term) mesenteric artery ischemia caused by atherosclerosis is commonly associated with abdominal pain after eating, and, occasionally, diarrhea.

Acute (sudden) mesenteric artery ischemia due to a traveling blood clot is frequently associated with sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In acute mesenteric ischemia, blood tests may show a higher-than-normal white blood cell (WBC) count and changes in the blood-acid level.

A CT scan may show problems with the blood vessels and the intestine.

A mesenteric angiogram is a test that involves injecting a special dye into your bloodstream to highlight the arteries of an intestine, and then taking x-rays of the area. This can show the location of the blockage in the artery.