A diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischemia is indicated by abnormalities in which vessels?

Chronic mesenteric ischemia occurs due to insufficient blood flow to the intestines, typically resulting from stenosis or occlusion of the mesenteric arteries. The primary vessels involved in this condition are the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).

The celiac artery supplies blood to the liver, stomach, and spleen, while the SMA supplies the majority of the small intestine and part of the large intestine. When evaluating for chronic mesenteric ischemia, abnormalities in both of these arteries indicate a compromised blood supply, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after meals.

The involvement of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is less relevant in the diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischemia since it mainly supplies the distal colon and rectum. While it can contribute to overall gut perfusion, it is not typically the primary focus in assessing chronic mesenteric ischemia, which emphasizes the celiac and SMA.

The common carotid and vertebral arteries are more related to cerebral circulation and do not play a role in mesenteric blood supply, which is why they are not part of the diagnosis for chronic mesenteric ischemia.