Acute mesenteric ischemia

[Rihanna]

Acute mesenteric ischemia is sudden blockage of blood flow to part of the intestines, which may lead to gangrene and perforation (puncture).

Severe abdominal pain develops suddenly.
Angiography may be performed.
Immediate treatment is needed using angiography or surgery.

(See Overview of Gastrointestinal Emergencies.)
Acute mesenteric ischemia has multiple causes. The most common are

Arterial embolism
Arterial thrombus

Arterial embolism is a blood clot or piece of atherosclerotic plaque material (the buildup of cholesterol and other fatty materials in an artery) that travels from its origin in the heart or aorta to lodge in the smaller arteries (in this case those of the intestines).
Arterial thrombus is a blood clot that forms spontaneously in the arteries or veins, including those of the intestines, blocking flow.
Sometimes flow is not blocked completely but is simply too low because of low heart output (as in heart failure or shock) or because certain drugs (such as cocaine) narrow