Your Trusted Mesenteric Ischemia Treatment and Prevention Experts In South Dakota
What is Mesenteric Ischemia?
The mesenteric blood vessels supply oxygen-rich blood to the small intestine. When blood flow to the small intestine is decreased it is called mesenteric ischemia. This can happen suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic) over many months to years.
If acute mesenteric ischemia occurs it is often a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Chronic mesenteric ischemia happens over time and can lead to severe weight loss and malnutrition.
Symptoms of Mesenteric Ischemia
The most common symptom of mesenteric ischemia divided into two categories:
Acute
- Sudden, extremely severe abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea, vomiting
- Urgent need to move your bowels
- If you have these symptoms please call 911
Chronic
- Abdominal pain after eating
- Pain worsens over 1-2 hours then resolves over 1-2 hours
- Weight loss, sometimes severe
Causes of Mesenteric Ischemia
Mesenteric ischemia, both acute and chronic, are caused by decreased blood flow to the small intestine. This can occur due to a blood clot or narrowing of a major blood vessel over a period of months.
Risk Factors of Mesenteric Ischemia
Smoking
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
High Blood Pressure
Atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
Heart failure
Coronary or peripheral arterial disease
Advanced age
Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
If you have symptoms of acute or chronic mesenteric ischemia, a physician will ask you specific questions and perform a physical examination. Additional testing will likely include:
- Abdominal X-ray
- CT or MRI, usually with contrast dye
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Blood tests
Treatment of Mesenteric Ischemia
For both acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia, the blockage of oxygen-rich blood to the small bowel needs to be fixed. This may require emergent surgery or a minimally invasive stenting procedure through the wrist or groin.
Acute mesenteric ischemia is an emergency. Patients usually present to the emergency room (ER) with severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea or vomiting.
In chronic mesenteric ischemia, potential complications may include the following:
- Avoiding eating due to anticipated belly pain
- Significant weight loss
- Worsening abdominal pain leading to acute mesenteric ischemia
Experienced Care for Mesenteric Ischemia Symptoms in the Black Hills
If you or a loved one are having symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia, please call Black Hills Heart and Vascular at (605) 503-8192 to schedule a consultation. If you are having symptoms of acute mesenteric ischemia, seek immediate medical attention or call 911.
