The mesenteric arteries are the blood vessels that supply the small and large bowel. There are three main ones with the largest known as the superior mesenteric artery. They are all branches from the aorta, which is the main blood vessel of the body.
There are many disorders of the mesenteric vessels with occlusions or stenosis (narrowing) being the most common. A narrowing of the mesenteric vessels can cause a condition known as Mesenteric Ischemia, which manifests as pain in the abdomen, usually associated with eating.
This is caused by a slow and progressive narrowing of the mesenteric arteries and is due to the build-up of fatty plaque on the walls of the arteries. The risk factors for the build-up of this plaque includes smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and type two diabetes. As this plaque builds up it narrows the channel that the blood has to flow through and eventually slows and blocks the blood flowing through your arteries completely.
The decrease in blood supply to the bowel usually produces pain shortly after eating, a condition known as mesenteric angina. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or blood in the stools. Patients can begin to lose weight as they tend to avoid eating in an effort to avoid these symptoms.
A sudden loss of blood supply to the bowel is a surgical emergency and will require urgent lifesaving surgery, this condition is referred to as acute mesenteric ischemia and may be caused by either a blockage due to existing narrowing or as a result of an embolus that has travelled from another part of the body, usually from the heart.
Symptoms of acute mesenteric ischemia include sudden onset severe abdominal pain that is not relieved in any position. Patients who are at the greatest risk of acute mesenteric ischemia include those who have a history of chronic mesenteric ischemia, atrial fibrillation or those with significant other underlying arterial disease.
Dr. McGlade has extensive experience in treating mesenteric artery disease. At your consultation he will take a thorough history and examination before ordering investigations based on your presentation. It is likely you will require an ultrasound or a CT scan to further delineate the underlying cause of your symptoms.
