What Causes Intestinal Ischemia?

Vasculitis

When the blood vessels become inflamed, the condition is called vasculitis. This results in changes in the walls of the blood vessels such as narrowing, scarring, and thickening. Vasculitis can affect several organs or a single organ, as well as capillaries, arteries, and veins. This condition happens when the immune system within the body attacks healthy blood vessels, resulting in inflammation. The general narrowing and thickening of blood vessels can keep adequate amounts of oxygen-rich blood from reaching numerous tissues throughout the body. In addition, the thickening and narrowing of the arteries, veins, or capillaries that occurs with vasculitis will make the affected blood vessels significantly more vulnerable to blood clots. The mesenteric arteries are the main blood vessels that supply the intestines with oxygenated blood. When these vessels become affected by vasculitis, intestinal ischemia can occur. Treatment for intestinal ischemia caused by vasculitis will include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid medications, and chemotherapy. Suppressing the immune response causing vasculitis can help restore blood flow to the affected area of the intestine.

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