Mesenteric Ischemia

What Is Mesenteric Ischemia?

Mesenteric Ischemia is a condition where blood flow to abdominal organs is reduced, often due to a blockage or narrowing in the arteries. It may be caused by an underlying condition such as an arterial embolism, arterial thrombosis, or venous thrombosis.

What Are the Types of Mesenteric Ischemia?

There are two main types:

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: A sudden, severe blockage in one of the main arteries supplying the intestine. It requires immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening.
Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: A slow reduction in blood flow to the intestine due to narrowed arteries, often from atherosclerosis. It can lead to gradual damage to the intestines and other organs.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesenteric Ischemia?

Symptoms vary depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic.

Symptoms of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia:

Sudden, severe abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Rapid heart rate

Symptoms of Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia:

Abdominal pain, especially after eating
Unintended weight loss due to fear of eating
Bloating and nausea
Diarrhea

UR Medicine's Treatments for Mesenteric Ischemia

Your provider at UR Medicine will likely order tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia, including:

Treatment varies based on the severity and type of ischemia. Your provider will create an individualized treatment plan to help you feel better. Treatment can include:

Blood thinners
Endovascular minimally invasive procedures
Surgery
Lifestyle changes

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine’s vascular surgeons specialize in open, hybrid, and minimally invasive endovascular procedures to diagnose and treat aneurysms, blocked arteries, blood clots, varicose veins, and compromised blood flow to the brain, intestines, and kidneys.

We offer multidisciplinary care. We work with patients to understand the benefits and risks of each treatment option and coordinate consultations with specialists, including cardiac surgery, nephrology, and cardiology, to provide a seamless experience for patients and their families.

UR Medicine Gastroenterology and Hepatology treats all major diseases of the GI tract, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and bile ducts. We regularly serve as a valuable second (and even third and fourth) opinion resource for patients referred from far and wide. Our involvement with clinical trials allows patients access to advanced treatments that are not yet widely available.