Mesenteric vascular occlusion refers to the blockage or narrowing of blood vessels that supply the mesentery, a fold of tissue in the abdomen that connects the intestines with the abdominal wall. The mesentery is responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the intestines, allowing them to function properly.
The occlusion of these blood vessels can occur due to several reasons, including the formation of blood clots, atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in the arteries), embolism (when a blood clot or other foreign material travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel), or inflammation of the blood vessels themselves.
When mesenteric vascular occlusion occurs, the affected blood vessels are unable to deliver an adequate supply of blood to the intestines. This can lead to ischemia, a condition characterized by reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected tissues. As a result, the intestines may suffer damage or even tissue death (necrosis).
Symptoms of mesenteric vascular occlusion may include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and significant weight loss. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications such as intestinal infarction (tissue death) and sepsis (infection).
Management of mesenteric vascular occlusion usually involves a combination of surgical interventions, such as thrombectomy (removal of blood clots) or embolectomy (removal of emboli) and medication to improve blood flow and prevent further clot formation. In some cases, revascularization procedures may be performed to restore blood flow to the affected areas.
