Mesenteric Ischemia – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Mesenteric ischemia occurs when blood flow to the small intestine becomes restricted due to narrowed or blocked arteries. It affects the mesentery—the tissue that connects the intestines to the abdominal wall and delivers essential blood supply.
This condition can develop suddenly or gradually, and it poses a significant risk of intestinal damage if not addressed quickly. Proper medical evaluation is critical to avoid serious complications.
Signs and Symptoms
Quick-Onset Intestinal Blood Flow Problems
Sudden blood flow loss to the intestines produces distinct symptoms, including:
- Sharp, intense abdominal pain that comes on suddenly
- Strong urge to have a bowel movement
- Elevated body temperature
- Feeling sick and throwing up
These symptoms appear rapidly and require immediate attention.
Long-Term Intestinal Blood Flow Problems
People with ongoing intestinal blood flow issues typically experience:
- Stomach pain that begins about half an hour after eating
- Discomfort that gets worse over 60 minutes
- Pain that disappears within 1-3 hours after meals
This pattern of pain after meals is the hallmark symptom of this condition.
When Medical Care Is Needed
Seek emergency medical help if you experience severe, sudden stomach pain that doesn’t go away. If you notice pain developing after meals, schedule an appointment with your doctor to evaluate the cause.
Causes
Mesenteric ischemia develops when blood flow to the small intestine decreases. This happens in both acute and chronic forms of the condition.
In acute mesenteric ischemia, blood clots are the primary cause. These clots typically form in the heart before traveling to and blocking the main mesenteric artery.
Chronic mesenteric ischemia usually results from atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Over time, this fatty deposit accumulation narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the intestines.
Risk Factors
Different risk factors contribute to acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia.
Acute mesenteric ischemia risks include:
- Irregular fast heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- Heart pumping problems (congestive heart failure)
- Recent blood vessel surgery
Chronic mesenteric ischemia risks include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Artery disease
- Tobacco use
- Excess weight
- Advanced age
These factors can affect blood flow to the intestines, increasing the chance of developing this condition.
Complications
Without prompt treatment, acute mesenteric ischemia can cause several serious problems:
- Bowel Death: When blood flow to the intestines is cut off, parts of the bowel tissue can die.
- Sepsis: The body may release chemicals into the bloodstream to fight infection, but sometimes overreacts, causing changes that can damage multiple organs.
- Fatal Outcomes: Both bowel damage and sepsis can lead to death if not treated quickly.
People who suffer from chronic mesenteric ischemia often develop different complications:
- Eating Anxiety: Many patients become afraid to eat because of the pain that occurs after meals.
- Unintentional Weight Loss: As patients eat less to avoid pain, they often lose weight without trying.
- Worsening Condition: Chronic symptoms can suddenly become more severe, turning into the acute form of the disease.
Over time, poor nutrition caused by chronic pain-related food avoidance may lead to additional complications, such as weakness and compromised immune function.
