Visceral Arterial Stenosis/Occlusion

Visceral artery stenosis/occlusion refers to the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the vital organs in the abdomen, including the intestines, stomach, spleen, and liver. The most common cause of this condition is atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Breakdown of the condition

Stenosis: This refers to a narrowing of the artery. When stenosis reaches 50% or more narrowing compared to the normal diameter of the artery, it can significantly reduce blood flow.
Occlusion: This refers to a complete blockage of the artery.

Causes

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of visceral artery stenosis/occlusion, but other factors can also contribute, including:

Fibromuscular dysplasia: A non-atherosclerotic condition that causes abnormal narrowing of the arteries.
Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels.
Trauma
Blood clots

Symptoms

Symptoms of visceral artery stenosis/occlusion can vary depending on the severity of the condition and which organs are affected. Common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain, especially after eating (postprandial angina)
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
Fatigue
Diarrhea

The visceral arteries include:

Celiac artery: Supplies blood to the stomach, spleen, and upper part of the small intestine.
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA): Supplies blood to the midsection of the small intestine.
Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA): Supplies blood to the lower part of the small intestine and the colon.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing visceral artery stenosis/occlusion often involves a combination of tests, including:

Medical history and physical examination
Doppler ultrasound
Angiography (DSA as discussed previously is a type of angiography)
CT angiography
MRI angiography

Treatment

Treatment for visceral artery stenosis/occlusion depends on the severity of the condition and the specific arteries involved. Options may include:

Lifestyle modifications: Quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of further narrowing.
Medications: Medications such as cholesterol-lowering medications and blood thinners may be prescribed.
Endovascular interventions: Procedures like angioplasty and stenting can be used to open narrowed arteries (Click here to read more on Angioplasty/stenting)
Bypass surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to bypass the blocked artery with a graft from another blood vessel.

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Visceral Arterial Stenosis/Occlusion