Chronic mesenteric ischemia, also known as intestinal angina, is defined by reduced blood flow to major mesenteric arteries (celiac, superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric) causing abdominal pain which is often postprandial. This can result in food aversion, anorexia, and weight loss.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia is typically caused by atherosclerotic disease. However, vasculitis, aortic or mesenteric artery dissection, fibromuscular dysplasia, celiac artery compression by the median arcuate ligament, retroperitoneal fibrosis, or endovascular graft occlusion should be considered as alternative etiologies.

The same risk factors for peripheral and coronary artery disease predispose to chronic mesenteric ischemia, namely smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Related topic: Acute mesenteric ischemia