What is mesenteric artery ischemia?
Mesenteric artery ischemia also called MAI, mesenteric vascular disease, chronic mesenteric ischemia, and acute mesenteric ischemia is a narrowing or blockage of one or more of the mesenteric arteries. These three arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the small and large intestines. The large intestine contains the colon. MAI generally affects people past the age of 60. What causes it? MAI is caused by a narrowing or blockage of one or more of the three mesenteric arteries. This blockage is often caused by a blood clot that breaks away from the heart, travels through one of the mesenteric arteries, and blocks the flow of blood. This type of clot is common in people with abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. Shock, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), smoking, and high cholesterol can contribute to MAI. What are the symptoms of mesenteric artery ischemia? If MAI is caused by atherosclerosis and is chronic (occurring over a long period of time), the most common sympto
