Mesenteric arterial disease is peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that occurs in the blood vessels supplying blood to the organs in the abdomen (belly).

Mesenteric arterial disease can be either acute, meaning the onset of symptoms is rapid and dangerous, or chronic, meaning the disease slowly progresses, often without symptoms for a long period.

Chronic mesenteric arterial disease, the most common type, is frequently a form of atherosclerosis – a progressive disease that involves the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to a gradual buildup of plaque. Atherosclerosis is the defining characteristic of coronary artery disease, in which the arteries that feed the heart with oxygen-rich blood are gradually blocked by plaque deposits.

Diagnosis of chronic mesenteric arterial disease typically involves a medical history and physical examination, as well as testing such as duplex imaging, magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and/or an angiogram. Treatment often involves modification of risk factors and may involve medications and/or catheter-based procedures.

Acute mesenteric arterial disease is frequently caused by a blood clot that has traveled into the intestines and blocked the artery, although it can be caused by any condition that rapidly blocks blood supply to the abdomen. It is usually accompanied by painful and acute symptoms that rapidly progress. This is a very dangerous condition that should be treated immediately. Treatment usually involves surgery and medications.

Both chronic and acute mesenteric arterial disease are more prevalent in people with heart disease or other forms of PAD. Therefore, patients should control any risk factors that might cause mesenteric arterial disease by contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.

Risk factors that can be modified include smoking, lack of regular exercise, eating a high fat diet, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, chronic stress or anger and high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol.