Ischemic Bowel Disease Diagnosis

Ischemic bowel disease is a condition where both the small and large intestines are not getting enough oxygenated blood. This causes damage to the intestines and can be mild to severe, and requires medical treatment.

Causes

• Ischemic bowel disease is caused by a blocked or narrowed artery due to blood clot, tumor, intestinal obstruction or atherosclerosis.

Risks

• Risks for developing ischemic bowel disease include heart problems or recent heart attack, diabetes, sickle cell disease, dehydration, colon cancer and advanced age.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of ischemic bowel disease include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloody stools, a distended abdomen, cramping and stomach pains.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing ischemic bowel disease begins with a doctor taking a medical history and conducting an exam. If the symptoms indicate ischemic bowel disease, the physician will likely refer the patient to a specialist.

Diagnostic Testing

• A specialist who treats ischemic bowel disease will conduct tests to determine the condition and its severity. Testing includes an abdominal X-ray, an X-ray of arteries leading to the bowel, CT scan or MRI of the abdomen, and colonoscopy to check the colon and rectum.

Treatment

• Treating ischemic bowel disease depends on the severity of the condition, but can include intravenous fluids, antibiotics and surgery.