During an ischemia attack, the intestines lose their ability to autoregulate oxygen availability. This results in a lack of blood flow, which in turn causes tissue death in the bowel. Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Fortunately, there are several treatment options that can reduce the risk of death from ischemic bowel damage.
The first step in the treatment of mesenteric insufficiency is to ensure adequate blood supply to the intestine. In this procedure, doctors may use a stent, which is a wire mesh tube that is placed into a narrowed artery. In some cases, a patient will receive a clot-dissolving medication. In other cases, a patient may be injected with thrombolytic agents. Alternatively, doctors may recommend open surgery.
Acute mesenteric ischemia can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The pain can occur suddenly or over a period of time. Usually, this condition is caused by a blockage in the mesenteric arteries, which are the veins that carry blood from the arteries to the small intestine. This can lead to permanent damage to the digestive system. In addition, mesenteric insufficiency can also be a result of trauma or major surgery. In many cases, it can be diagnosed through a physical exam. In these instances, the doctor will look for signs of swelling or a blockage in the arteries near the intestine.
Other symptoms of mesenteric insufficiency include a high white blood cell count, elevated anion gap, and an elevated lactate level. These are the most common abnormal findings. Additionally, patients with mesenteric ischemia often have low blood pressure and are dehydrated. This can lead to mental confusion and rapid heart rate. In more serious cases of mesenteric ischemia, patients will have blood clots. The clots travel to the mesenteric arteries, which can restrict the blood flow to the intestines. In addition to mesenteric ischemia, other conditions can also lead to decreased blood flow to the intestines.
Surgical procedures are required in more serious cases of mesenteric ischemic bowel disease. This may involve inserting a stent into a narrowed artery or performing a balloon procedure. If the clot has traveled to the mesenteric arteries, it can be treated with anticoagulants or thrombolytic agents. Alternatively, surgeons can treat a clot by removing it surgically.
In some cases, a patient may undergo a CT scan to determine whether there is a problem with the arteries. Other tests that may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia include magnetic resonance angiography. The images produced by the scan can be very detailed. The arteries are identified, as are the abdominal organs.
In the case of chronic mesenteric ischemia, a patient will likely experience a decline in weight, a decrease in the angle between the aorta and the small intestine, and a loss of mesenteric fat pad. Eventually, this can lead to gangrene and multiorgan failure. In order to treat chronic mesenteric ischemia, doctors may prescribe a change in diet and/or physical activity.
