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INTESTINAL ISCHEMIA

Men's Health, Women's Health / By

INTESTINAL ISCHEMIA

Intestinal ischemia occurs when blood flow to the intestine is restricted due to a blocked blood vessel, usually an artery.

  • The small intestine and the large intestine (colon), or both can be affected
  • Ischemia of the small intestine is called mesenteric ischemia while ischemia affecting the large intestine is called ischemic colitis
  • Mesenteric ischemia may be acute (occur suddenly), or chronic (occur gradually). The acute form is associated with a high risk of death
  • The most common type of intestinal ischemia is the ischemic colitis
  • Intestinal ischemia can make it difficult for the intestines to work properly. In severe cases, the intestinal tissues can be damaged due to loss of blood flow, and this can possibly result in death

CAUSES

  • A blood clot in an artery supplying the intestine
  • Hypotension associated with trauma, shock, heart failure, or major surgery
  • Excessive bowel enlargement from an obstruction caused by a tumor or scar tissue
  • Twisting of the bowel
  • Use of cocaine or methamphetamine
  • Medications that constrict the heart vessels such as those used to treat heart disease
  • Medical conditions that affect the blood, such as sickle cell anemia, lupus or inflammation of the blood vessels
  • The buildup of plaque on the artery wall
  • Hernia
  • Venous thrombosis. This occurs when the vein carrying blood from the intestines is blocked. When this happens, blood backs up in the intestines and causes bleeding and swelling. Venous thrombosis is more common in people with liver disease, cancers of the digestive system, blood clotting disorders, abdominal infection, abdominal injuries, and bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Chron’s disease or diverticulitis

SYMPTOMS

  • Abdominal pain that progressively worsens over weeks or months
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps or fullness
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding in some cases

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

If the doctor suspects intestinal ischemia, you may undergo several diagnostic tests, including:

  • Blood tests
  • Imaging tests such as X-ray, CT scan, and MRI
  • Angiography
  • Colonoscopy
  • Exploratory surgery

TREATMENT

The goal of treatment is to restore blood supply to your digestive tract.

They include:

  • Antibiotics to treat or prevent infections
  • Treating underlying medical conditions
  • Surgery to remove the clot
  • Medications to dissolve clots, prevent clots from forming or dilate blood vessels
  • Angioplasty and stent
  • Surgery to remove or repair a damaged section of the intestine