Chronic mesenteric ischemia: clinical features and diagnostic challenges

Up-to-date data on the prevalence of chronic mesenteric ischemia syndrome with unpaired visceral branches of the abdominal aorta involvement in asymptomatic, subcompensation and decompensation stages are presented. The frequency of acute mesenteric thrombosis in the background of steno-occlusive disease is analyzed. The data on the mortality rate, determining the need for early diagnosis and timely chronic mesenteric ischemia treatment, are presented. Modern challenges in clinical, instrumental and radiographic diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischemia due to clinical presentations variability and low specificity as well as lack of targeted approach for chronic mesenteric ischemia diagnosis in routine practice, are reviewed. Most rationale approaches for timely chronic mesenteric ischemia diagnosis and treatment are outlined. Studying of different clinical subtypes of chronic mesenteric ischemia, as well as elaboration of new diagnostic approaches and methods, contemporary diagnosis and treatment algorithms development on all stages of in- and out-patient service is needed.