Imaging and endovascular interventions in mesenteric ischaemia

Mesenteric ischaemia is a rare cause of abdominal pain caused by a reduction in blood flow to the small or large bowel. It typically has a non-specific clinical presentation, which causes diagnostic delays, that have a major impact on clinical outcome, resulting in high disease morbidity and death. Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening illness that necessitates high clinical suspicion and early imaging examination for accurate diagnosis. Chronic mesenteric ischemia caused by atherosclerotic arterial disease can result in severe patient morbidity with postprandial pain and food aversion, leading to malnutrition and unintentional weight loss. While endovascular therapies are more well-established in treating chronic mesenteric ischemia, they are also becoming increasingly popular in treating acute mesenteric ischemia. This review delves into the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, classification, imaging, and minimally invasive endovascular therapies for mesenteric ischaemia.