32. Mesenteric Ischemia

Acute mesenteric ischemia is caused by the lack of blood flowing through the mesenteric blood vessels that supply the bowel walls. Cutting off or restricting the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the bowel wall could cause its cells to die, a potentially dangerous and life-threatening condition.

Acute mesenteric ischemia causes severe abdominal pain and less commonly, loose and bloody stool and should be treated at once to prevent intestinal tissue from dying, usually through surgery.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia on the other hand, happens slower, and is due to the narrowing of the arteries that provide blood to the intestines.