What are intestinal ischemic syndromes?
Intestinal ischemic syndromes — also called visceral or mesenteric ischemic syndromes — occur when blood flow to the bowel or gastrointestinal system (intestines) is decreased because of a blood vessel blockage. The three major abdominal blood vessels that may become blocked include the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery or inferior mesenteric artery. Usually two or three of these arteries must be narrowed or blocked to cause intestinal ischemic syndromes. What causes these syndromes? In most cases, intestinal ischemic syndromes are caused by atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty matter and plaque on the blood vessel walls), leading to narrowing or blockage of the vessel. The conditions also can be caused by blood clots or aneurysms (an abnormal enlargement or bulging) in the vessels. Are these conditions more common at a certain age? Intestinal ischemic syndromes are more common after age 60 but can occur at any age. Types of Intestinal Ischemic Syndromes Intestinal ischemic synd
