Intestinal Ischemia

Mesenteric ischemia is an uncommon, dangerous condition that happens when parts of your digestive system don’t get enough blood flow. This usually happens because of a blockage in your blood vessels that provide blood to those areas. This condition is more common in people who are older, especially those with cardiovascular disease or blood clotting disorders.

Without enough blood flow, the affected organs and tissues don’t have enough oxygen and can’t function correctly. If the blockage is severe enough, the affected organs and tissues may start to die. This condition is often deadly, so a quick diagnosis and treatment are very important.

What does this condition’s name mean?

The mesentery (pronounced, “mess-ent-airy”) is an organ in your abdomen (belly) that holds several other organs in place, including your small and large intestines, colon and more. The mesentery also has a network of blood vessels that supply your organs inside.

Ischemia (pronounced, “iss-key-me-uh”) is when parts of your body aren’t getting enough blood flow. Mesenteric ischemia means that the lack of blood flow is affecting your mesentery and your organs inside.

What are the different types of this condition?

There are two types of mesenteric ischemia:

Acute mesenteric ischemia

Heart attacks and strokes often happen because of blockages in critical arteries, and acute mesenteric ischemia can happen in a similar way. This usually happens because of blood clots, which cause sudden and very severe symptoms. This condition is a medical emergency that needs immediate care.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia

Chronic mesenteric ischemia happens more gradually, usually because your mesenteric arteries start to narrow. This condition takes longer to develop, and the symptoms usually worsen over time.

Who does it affect?

Mesenteric ischemia is more common as people age. It usually happens along with heart and circulation conditions, especially ones that can cause blood clots.

Risk factors for mesenteric ischemia include:

• Atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heart rhythm).
• Coronary artery disease.
• Diabetes.
• Heart failure.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).
• Hypercoagulation disorders (conditions that make your blood clot too easily).
• Recent surgery.
• Peripheral vascular diseases (such as peripheral artery disease).
• Tobacco use (past or present).

How common is this condition?

Mesenteric ischemia is a rare issue. The estimated number of cases is 1 to 2 for every 1,000 cases where someone needs hospitalization.

How does this condition affect my body?

All of your cells, tissues and organs need a steady supply of blood and oxygen. Without that supply, they’ll start to die. What makes mesenteric ischemia so dangerous is that it affects your intestines, which contain trillions of bacteria.

Normally, those bacteria are good for you and help you digest the food you eat. But when your intestines start to die, those bacteria can spread to places they don’t belong and cause dangerous infections. That can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that happens when your immune system’s overwhelming reaction to an infection ends up damaging your body, too.