Intestinal artery ischaemia

Question 1

common sites of occlusion ?

Answer 1

splanchnic arteries and bifurcation of the aorta

Question 2

why is chronic abdominal artery occlusion usually symptomless?

Answer 2

there is a large collateral circulation between the superior mesenteric and coeliac arteries

Question 3

how would acute abdominal artery occlusion present?

Answer 3

acute, severe abdominal pain (MI of stomach)

Question 4

when is cramping pain usually felt in chronic ab art oc?

Answer 4

20-60 minutes after eating

Question 5

how can intestinal angina be relieved?

Answer 5

GTN sublingual

Question 6

why would patients lose weight with chronic occlusion?

Answer 6

develop a fear of eating

Question 7

what is angioplasty?

Answer 7

balloon angioplasty. procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries or veins, typically to treat arterial atherosclerosis.

Question 8

how is acute mesenteric ischaemia diagnosed?

Answer 8

its a surgical emergency usually diagnosed with CT to determine the site occlusion

Question 9

what does acute mesenteric ischamia require?

Answer 9

Requires thrombolysis or Percutaneous intervention to prevent gut necrosis
Emergency laparotomy. bowel resection +- revascularization

Question 10

what sort of signs would you get in renal artery occlusion ?

Answer 10

signs of renal disease e.g. hypertension, sudden onset flank pain, haematuria

Question 11

mesenteric ischaemia usually involves which bowel?

Answer 11

small bowel

Question 12

a patient with AF/vascular disease and abdominal pain ?

Answer 12

mesenteric ischaemia

Question 13

diagnosis for mesenteric ischaemia?

Answer 13

mesenteric angiography