Which artery is primarily involved in mesenteric ischemia?

Study for the Interventional Radiology Registry Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your success!

Mesenteric ischemia predominantly involves the Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) because it supplies a significant portion of the small intestine and the proximal colon. The SMA feeds the ileum, cecum, ascending colon, and a part of the transverse colon. In conditions of mesenteric ischemia, blood flow to these areas can be compromised due to occlusion, stenosis, or embolism affecting the SMA.

In clinical practice, it is crucial to recognize that acute mesenteric ischemia often derives from embolic events that occlude the SMA, leading to ischemia and potentially resulting in bowel necrosis if not promptly addressed. Chronic mesenteric ischemia may result from atherosclerosis affecting the SMA, particularly in individuals with vascular risk factors, leading to reduced blood flow during postprandial periods.

The other arteries mentioned, while important for overall gastrointestinal blood supply, are less commonly implicated in the specific context of mesenteric ischemia. The Inferior Mesenteric Artery primarily supplies the distal colon and rectum, and while ischemia can occur in these territories, it is less frequently a primary concern than that involving the SMA. The Celiac Artery supplies the foregut, which includes parts of

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