How is acute mesenteric ischemia diagnosed?
An arteriogram is used to diagnosis acute mesenteric ischemia. An arteriogram is an invasive test of the blood vessels in which dye is injected and x-ray pictures are obtained. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans and chest X-rays, as well as other tests, may be performed first to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms, such as a bowel obstruction. How is acute mesenteric ischemia treated? Emergency surgery may be performed to remove the blood clot (embolectomy) or bypass the blocked vessel and restore blood flow to the intestines. The surgeon may use autologous bypass grafts (patient’s own blood vessels) or artificial grafts. In some cases, the surgeon may need to remove a portion of the intestine if tissue death has occurred. Another option is the use of a “clot busting” medication. With the aid of an arteriogram, a clot-busting medication may be injected to break up the clot in the artery. Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia Chronic mesenteric ischemia is characterized
