Mesenteric Vascular Disease

Mesenteric vasculopathy encompasses diseases of the blood vessels that supply the intestine. When that flow is reduced or interrupted, the intestinal tissue may not receive the blood supply it needs.

Possible symptoms: It may present with abdominal pain, at times related to meals, as well as nausea, changes in bowel habits or weight loss. Cases of sudden onset can be serious.

When to seek care? Severe, sudden abdominal pain requires urgent attention; recurrent pain after eating warrants a timely evaluation.

Which specialist handles it? Its workup may involve the vascular surgeon, the general surgeon and the gastroenterologist. If you have persistent or sudden-onset abdominal pain, the most sensible thing is to seek a medical evaluation.