Visceral Artery Disease

The University of Kansas Health System offers treatment and prevention plans for those with visceral artery disease, which refers to the narrowing of a visceral artery that supplies blood to the intestines, liver and spleen.

The visceral artery, like others, can be damaged by atherosclerosis. Visceral artery disease can reduce or cut off the blood supply to these areas. Most commonly, it causes mesenteric ischemia, which is poor circulation in the vessels supplying blood flow to your mesenteric organs: the stomach, liver, colon and intestine. This can cause pain and weight loss, and blockages could form and compromise the function of these organs.

Visceral artery disease can be acute or chronic.

You are at greater risk for visceral artery disease if you have atherosclerosis – when the blood vessels become narrowed or clogged by fatty or cholesterol deposits called plaque. Other risk factors include:

• Age and gender: Men are at higher risk before age 75, and women are at higher risk after 75
• Diabetes
• Family history of this problem
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Tobacco use: Smoking dramatically increases your risk
• Race or ethnicity: African American and Hispanic people are at greater risk

Visceral artery disease often progresses slowly. Ongoing symptoms can include:

• Intestinal bleeding
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain after eating
• Weight loss

The University of Kansas Health System offers the most current imaging tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment, including a Doppler ultrasound or CT angiogram. Your vascular specialist will determine the best diagnostic test depending on your symptoms and their onset.

Physicians at The University of Kansas Health System use the most advanced and latest techniques to guide treatment of vascular disease, including:

• Balloon angioplasty
• Endovascular stenting
• Mesenteric artery bypass surgery
• Thrombolytic therapy

Learn more about treatment options here.