Intro:
Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia (CMI) occurs when the blood vessels supplying the stomach, liver and bowels start to narrow or plug up completely. This can lead to very serious illness or death.
Symptoms:
CMI often presents with severe stomach pain shortly after eating. This can include:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea/flatulence
- Unintentional weight loss and food avoidance
Risk Factors:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Age
- Irregular heart rhythm
Diagnosis:
- Mesenteric disease is best diagnosed by thorough history and CT scan or angiogram
- Non-invasive ultrasound can sometimes be used in thin individuals
Treatment:
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the extent of the disease on CT imaging, CMI can be treated via:
- Minimally invasive angioplasty and stenting
- Conventional open surgical bypass
- Medications (IV Blood thinners)
