A mesenteric angiogram is a medical imaging procedure that visualizes the blood vessels supplying abdominal organs like the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and pancreas. This specialized X-ray test helps healthcare providers assess the condition of these vessels.
Understanding Mesenteric Angiography
Mesenteric angiography is an X-ray imaging test providing detailed pictures of blood vessels supplying the intestines and other abdominal organs. During the procedure, a contrast medium or “dye” is injected. This dye makes the vessels visible on X-ray images, allowing doctors to identify irregularities.
Doctors order a mesenteric angiogram to investigate conditions affecting abdominal blood supply. It can find the source of gastrointestinal bleeding when other tests are inconclusive. The procedure also helps diagnose mesenteric ischemia, a condition of reduced blood flow to the intestines caused by narrowing or blockages. It can identify aneurysms, which are weakened, bulging blood vessel areas, or blockages limiting blood flow. The angiogram can also evaluate blood vessel damage after an abdominal injury.
How the Procedure is Performed
Before a mesenteric angiogram, you will be instructed not to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours. Discuss all current medications with your doctor, as some, like blood thinners, may need adjustment. Inform your provider about allergies, especially to X-ray contrast material, iodine, or shellfish, and if you are pregnant. Blood tests may be done to check kidney function and clotting ability.
The procedure is performed in a hospital’s radiology department. You will lie on an X-ray table, with monitoring devices attached to check heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. A healthcare provider will clean and shave an area, typically the groin, where a local anesthetic will numb the skin. You will be awake but may receive medication to help you relax.
A thin, flexible catheter is inserted into an artery, often in the groin, and guided to the mesenteric arteries. Once in place, contrast dye is injected, and X-ray images are taken. You might feel a warm, flushing sensation as the dye moves through your body. The procedure takes about one to one and a half hours, potentially longer if treatments like dissolving a blood clot or placing a stent are performed.
What to Expect During Recovery
After the angiogram, you will be moved to a recovery area. Nurses will monitor your vital signs and the insertion site for bleeding or bruising. You will need to lie flat for several hours, typically 4 to 6 hours, to allow the puncture site to heal and prevent bleeding. Keeping the leg where the catheter was inserted straight is important.
You may experience soreness or bruising at the catheter insertion site, which is common. Drink plenty of fluids after the procedure to help flush the contrast dye from your body. Most individuals can return to light activities after 24 to 48 hours. Strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, should be avoided for one to two days, or up to a week. Contact your doctor if you notice excessive bleeding, severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection like redness, warmth, or discharge at the insertion site.