Mesenteric artery stenosis is a condition where the arteries that bring blood to the intestines are blocked or narrow. This is usually caused by a buildup of plaque on the artery wall, but it can also be caused by a blood clot or injury to the area.
Symptoms
You may not have symptoms at first. Later symptoms of mesenteric artery stenosis include:
- Sudden and severe belly pain
- Belly pain that starts about 30 minutes after eating and goes away within one to three hours
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Urgent need for a bowel movement
- Weight loss
Treatments
Mesenteric artery stenosis caused by a clot or other sudden blockage of blood flow needs immediate surgery.
If your condition develops over time, your doctor might suggest angioplasty, where they use a balloon to open the narrowed area and put in a stent to keep it open.
Risk Factors
Things that can increase your risk of mesenteric artery stenosis include:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Congestive heart failure
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Age
- Artery diseases
- Recent vascular surgery
Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition
department
Vascular Medicine Center
The Vascular Medicine Center at Boston Medical Center offers comprehensive care, including minimally invasive techniques, from one of the most advanced multidisciplinary teams of …
department
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
The Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery provides state-of-the-art surgical services and medical care for patients with vascular disease. Our vascular surgeons deliver hi…