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Review
. 2023 Dec 15;37(6):417-423.
doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1777667. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Mesenteric Ischemia

Christopher O Audu  1 , David W Schechtman  1 , Frank M Davis  1
Affiliations
Review

Mesenteric Ischemia

Christopher O Audu et al. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. .

Abstract

Mesenteric ischemia occurs when perfusion of the visceral organs fails to meet normal metabolic requirements and subsequently results in abdominal symptoms such as diffuse postprandial pain, peritonitis, food fear, and weight loss. While generally divided into acute and chronic manifestations, mesenteric ischemia is commonly misdiagnosed at initial presentation due to the significant overlap with symptoms of other abdominal pathologies. Prompt recognition and diagnosis, mesenteric revascularization, and critical care management remain the mainstay of treatment in these patients for optimal outcomes. This review will highlight acute versus chronic mesenteric ischemia, their etiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and will emphasize the joint role of the gastrointestinal and vascular surgeon in the timely management of this condition to prevent devastating outcomes.

Keywords: arrhythmia; embolus; mesenteric ischemia; superior mesenteric artery.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Acute mesenteric ischemia. The white arrows point to the area of decreased arterial flow and embolism in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in the ( A ) axial, ( B ) coronal, and ( C ) sagittal views in this patient. In this situation, the clot burden lodges just distal to the middle colic artery branch and was repaired via open balloon embolectomy.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Chronic mesenteric ischemia. ( A ) The white arrow points to the area of stenosis due to severe atherosclerosis and calcification at the origin of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and celiac arteries in the axial views. ( B ) Well-developed collateral from the SMA to inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) via the arc of Riolan ( white arrow ) in the setting of chronic mesenteric ischemia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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