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April 15, 1961

Abdominal Angina— Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment

Author Affiliations

Houston

From the Cora and Webb Mading Department of Surgery, Baylor University College of Medicine.

JAMA. 1961;176(2):89-92. doi:10.1001/jama.1961.03040150005002
Abstract

Although the syndrome of abdominal angina has been recognized occasionally for many years, it is seldom diagnosed before death or operation for mesenteric thrombosis. The condition usually occurs in patients of the arteriosclerotic age group. Outstanding symptoms include postprandial pain, weight loss, and constipation. Gastrointestinal studies may be negative or may show evidence of impaired intestinal motility, excessive fat in the feces, and occult blood. Aortography with exposure of the visceral vessels in the lateral projection provides definitive diagnosis and affords clear visualization of the proximal and segmental character of the occlusive process. Revascularization of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries by arterial reconstructive procedures is important not only to alleviate symptoms but to prevent mesenteric thrombosis and death.

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