General Overview
Mesenteric arterial ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow though the mesenteric arteries that supply blood to the intestine and abdominal organs. Sometimes, the mesenteric arteries become narrowed. The amount of blood flow to the intestine becomes restricted. This condition is called ischemia. Ischemia is likely to affect people above the age of 60 or those with uncontrolled high cholesterol levels.
How It’s Done
Patients are advised not to eat or drink for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure. Eating, drinking or even chewing gum causes air to flow into the stomach and bowel. This reduces the visibility of the ultrasound for the mesenteric arteries. Patients are asked to recline on a table for the ultrasound. The doctor applies a water-soluble gel to skin of the lower abdomen. This gel enhances sound wave transmission. With the help of a transducer, blood flows inside intestinal arteries are recorded.Different views of the blood vessels are then studied by the doctor. Other tests or treatment procedures may be recommended after the reports from the mesenteric arterial ultrasound are analyzed.