Q: Which doctor treats mesenteric ischemia?
A: Mesenteric ischemia is a surgical condition and treated by surgical gastroenterologists and vascular surgeons.
Q: What are some of the other conditions that have a similar clinical picture to mesenteric ischemia and need to be ruled out?
A: There are several causes of acute abdomen that have to be ruled out by history and imaging. These include gallstone pain, acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, testicular torsion, peptic ulcer disease, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, perforated bowel, bowel infection, renal colic, acute pancreatitis. Other rare causes such as porphyria, sickle cell crisis, pneumonia, typhoid, heart attack (myocardial infarction), pericarditis and opiate withdrawal also should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Q: What is the difference between mesenteric ischemia and ischemic colitis?
A: Mesenteric ischemia refers to ischemia of any part of the bowel (both small and large intestine), while ischemic colitis is specific to colon or large bowel.
Q: What is follow-up care for chronic mesenteric ischemia?
A: In addition to consuming a low-fat diet, taking small, frequent meals is advised for patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia. Regular exercise, as well as optimal control blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol also are recommended.
