Ischemic Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is often caused by embolism, thrombosis, or vasospasm and presents with sudden and severe abdominal pain disproportionate to physical findings. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is characterized by postprandial pain, food aversion, and progressive weight loss, often due to long-standing atherosclerosis of the mesenteric arteries. Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) can have an acute or insidious onset. AMI requires immediate revascularization through endovascular procedures like angioplasty and stenting or surgical methods such as embolectomy. Chronic mesenteric ischemia may benefit from angioplasty with stenting or bypass surgery to restore adequate blood flow and alleviate symptoms.